The role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security: Challenges and achievements

Abstract

Maintaining international peace and security has been the primary goal of the United Nations since its establishment more than 75 years ago. Analyzing provisions in the United Nations Charter regarding the above objectives as well as the organization’s working practice would contribute significantly to shedding the light on the role and achievements of the United Nations, especially the Security Council. There are some notable challenges in the performance of this function by the Security Council such as: 1) provisions on the decision making procedures and the practice of confrontation among permanent members in certain periods; 2) the overlapping of functions and powers between the General Assembly and the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security; 3) the pressure on non-permanent members. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that, at the macro level, the United Nations has successfully accomplished the goal of preventing a third world war and will continue to be the only global international organization in charge of this important function.