Security Council (UNSC) — KSLU Pil Notes

Security Council (UNSC)

flowchart TD
    SC[Security Council - 15 Members] --> P5[5 Permanent Members P5]
    SC --> NP[10 Non-Permanent Members - 2 year term elected by UNGA]
    P5 --> USA[USA]
    P5 --> UK[United Kingdom]
    P5 --> FRANCE[France]
    P5 --> RUSSIA[Russia - successor to USSR]
    P5 --> CHINA[China - PRC since 1971]
    NP --> REGIONS[Elected on regional basis - 5 regions]
    SC --> CHVI[Chapter VI - Pacific Settlement of Disputes]
    SC --> CHVII[Chapter VII - Action with respect to Threats to Peace]
    CHVII --> ART41[Art 41 - Non-military measures - sanctions, embargo]
    CHVII --> ART42[Art 42 - Military force if Art 41 inadequate]

UNSC Voting — The Veto

Art 27(3) UN Charter: On substantive matters, decisions require the affirmative vote of 9 members, including the concurring votes of all 5 permanent members.

Key rule: An abstention is not a veto — established by SC practice since 1950. Only an explicit “No” vote by a P5 member blocks a resolution.

Chapter VI vs Chapter VII — Critical Distinction