Political global governance

• What is the primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

  Maintaining international peace and security
• Why is the UNSC considered the most powerful branch of the UN?

  It can issue binding resolutions in international law
• What must all UN member states do regarding UNSC resolutions?

  Abide by them
• What types of actions can the UNSC authorize?

  Military action and economic sanctions
• How many permanent members are there in the UNSC?

  5 permanent members
• Who are the five permanent members of the UNSC?

  China, Russia, USA, France, UK
• What is the term for the special veto powers held by permanent members?

  Special veto powers
• How are non-permanent members of the UNSC selected?

  Elected by the UN General Assembly for 2-year rotations
• Which country has served the most terms as a non-permanent member of the UNSC?

  Japan
• What is required for a UNSC resolution to pass?

  No vetoes and at least 9 votes in favor
• What actions can the UNSC take to facilitate humanitarian assistance?

  Set up peace talks and require ceasefires
• What is referred to as the 'Sixth veto' in the UNSC context?

  When 7 non-permanent members vote against a resolution
• Why do permanent members have veto powers?

  To protect their national interests
• How does the veto power affect the decision-making process in the UNSC?

  It can lead to gridlock and prevent important resolutions from passing
• Which country has used its veto the most since 1945?

  Russia
• What was a significant outcome of the Cold War period regarding the UNSC?

  Two equally powerful nations challenged each other in a bipolar world
• What significant change occurred in the UNSC since 2001?

  A more multipolar world has appeared
• Why might some resolutions not even go to vote in the UNSC?

  It is known a state will veto it already
• What was the response of the UK and US regarding military action in Iraq in 2003?

  They took military action without UNSC permission
• How did the UK respond to Russia's alleged use of nerve agents in 2018?

  Encouraged allies to issue sanctions independently
• What was the outcome of the 2020 vetoes by Russia and China regarding Syria?

  They vetoed three resolutions for improved humanitarian assistance
• What was the result of the US veto in 2018 regarding Israel's actions?

  It vetoed a resolution to condemn Israel's use of force against Palestinian civilians
• What is the role of the UNSC in international crises?

  It is the supreme decision-making body for dealing with international crises.
• What is the significance of the design of UNSC membership?

  It aims for active and quick decision-making on national security matters.
• How do permanent members influence resolution-making in the UNSC?

  They can dominate the process due to their veto power.
• What does the concept of great power unanimity imply for the UNSC's actions?

  Action should only be taken when great powers agree.
• What does the lack of vetoes from France and the UK since 1989 suggest?

  It indicates a shift in their influence within the UNSC.
• Why might some resolutions be abandoned before a vote in the UNSC?

  Because it is known a state will veto it already.
• How does the UNSC's perceived weakness affect its effectiveness?

  It leads to challenges in addressing international issues when permanent members act against its interests.
• How many peacekeeping operations has the UNSC conducted since 1948?

  More than 70
• What is the longest peacekeeping mission of the UN?

  The UN observer mission in Israel and Palestine
• What are some examples of organized humanitarian interventions by the UNSC?

  • Libya in 2011
  • Yugoslavia in 1992
  • East Timor from 1999 to 2005
• Since when have peace talks been ongoing in the Syrian conflict?

  Since 2015
• What sanctions did the UNSC impose from 2005 until 2015?

  Sanctions against Iran
• What type of sanctions has the UNSC imposed against North Korea?

  Sanctions against North Korea
• What was the outcome of the ceasefire in Libya?

  It was a result of UNSC actions
• What significant resolution did the UNSC pass on 27th September 2013?

  UNSC resolution 2118
• What did UNSC resolution 2118 require Syria to do?

  Disarm itself of chemical weapons
• Did UNSC resolution 2118 prevent Syria from creating 'barrel bombs'?

  No, it did not prevent Syria from creating 'barrel bombs'
• What are the arguments for reforming the UNSC membership?

  • UNSC membership is outdated
  • Inclusion of powers like Brazil, Germany, India, Japan
  • Need for better representation of African states