Decision Maker

United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six primary organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Composed of 15 members, the UNSC has the authority to establish peacekeeping operations, impose international sanctions, and authorize military action. The council comprises five permanent members with veto power - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. Issues are passed on the council with an affirmative vote from at least nine of the members, including agreement from all five permanent members.