United Nations Security Council

Under the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Security Council holds the authority for U.N. peace operations and other interventions in international conflict. It is composed of Permanent Members, all having the individual right to reject (i.e., "veto") any Resolution, and a rotating group of nations. Only the Security Council has the authority to order peace operations, economic sanctions, or other enforcement activities.

Permanent members

Reflecting the world power balance at the time the UN was formed, the members with veto power are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There have been various proposals to extend the list to include major economic powers such as Japan and regional powers such as India. Some proposals suggest extending veto power to countries serving as representatives of their continents, but not being permanent members of the UNSC.

UNSC Resolutions

Decisions of the UNSC are recorded in United Nations Security Council resolutions.