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UNSC UPSC: Powers, Functions, non permanent members 06/03/24, 7:50 PM

UNSC (United Nations Security


Council): Powers, Functions, UNSC
UPSC
UNSC, or United Nations Security Council, was established in 1945 and
is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations. It is
headquartered in New York and is responsible for maintaining international
security and peace. UNSC is also charged with accepting new members
to the United Nations and approving any changes to UN Charter. India
started its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC on
January 1, 2021.

With authority to impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions, and


even authorize the use of force, the UNSC plays a vital role in responding
to conflicts, addressing threats to international peace, and promoting
diplomatic resolutions. This article explores the history, structure, power,
functions, members and impact of the UNSC that would be crucial for
USPC exam preparation.

What is UNSC?
UNSC stands for United Nations Security Council. Established in 1945,
United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the
United Nations. The power of the UNSC includes the establishment of
peacekeeping operations, international sanctions, and military action
authorization through the security council resolutions. Since its
establishment in 1945, the UNSC has navigated complex geopolitical
dynamics, confronted evolving security challenges, and worked toward
the lofty goal of a safer and more stable world.

UNSC UPSC Notes

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UNSC UPSC: Powers, Functions, non permanent members 06/03/24, 7:50 PM

UNSC is the only body of the United Nations that has the authority to
issue binding resolutions to the member states. United Nations Security
Council consists of 15 members, including 5 permanent members and 10
non-permanent members that are elected for 2-year terms by the United
Nations General Assembly.

Functions and Powers of UNSC


The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is entrusted with several
important functions and powers to fulfill its mandate of maintaining
international peace and security. Here are the key functions and powers of
the UNSC:

To maintain peace and security globally with the purposes and


principles of the United Nations.
To determine the existing threat to peace and decide what action
should be taken.
Take military action when needed
UNSC recommends a method of adjusting disputes
It also investigates any situation or dispute that can lead to
international friction.
To call on members to apply economic sanctions and other measures
to prevent aggression.

Permanent & Non-Permanent Members of UNSC


The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is composed of 15 member
states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-
permanent members elected for two-year terms.

The total number of members of the UNSC is 15, out of which 10


are not permanent and 5 are permanent.
The 5 permanent members of the UNSC include China, the United
Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States. The 10, not
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UNSC UPSC: Powers, Functions, non permanent members 06/03/24, 7:50 PM

permanent members are Albania, Brazi, Gabon, Ghana, India, Ireland,


Kenya, Mexico, Norway, and United Arab Emirates.
The non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council
are elected for 2-year terms by the UNGA (United Nations General
Assembly).
The five non-permanent members of the UNSC get replaced every
year.

India as Non-Permanent Member of UNSC


India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2-year term 2021-
2022. India was elected as a non-permanent member of the United
Nations Security Council by winning 184 out of 194 votes at UNGA.

India was the one candidate from the Asia-Pacific region for the year
2021-2022.
This was India’s 8th time being part of the UNSC.
Previously, India was a part of the United Nations Security Council in
950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-
1992, and 2011-12.
Being a member of UNSC, India is responsible for promoting
international peace and security through its 5-S approach, namely,
Samman – Respect, Sahyog – Cooperation, Samvad – Dialogue,
Samriddhi – Prosperity, and Shanti – Peace.

India and UNSC


India has been trying hard for many years to become a permanent
member of the UNSC, but it hasn’t been successful. Even though India is
one of the countries in the world with a high population, nuclear power,
and a growing economy, it hasn’t been able to become one of its
permanent members.

India has raised a list of claims to secure its place as one of the
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permanent members of the UNSC, such as


India has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,
It has the status of a Nuclear Weapons State.
India is the most highly populated country and the largest liberal
democracy in the world.

Challenges for India in Getting a Permanent Seat


at UNSC
India’s aspiration for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) is accompanied by several challenges that it needs to
overcome. These challenges include:

Even though it seems an easy process, it is made tough by the


objections of some permanent members of the UNSC. Especially
China has been blocking India’s way of getting a permanent seat.
India is seen as a proliferating nuclear power, and it is one of the
significant factors that has been working as a roadblock.
Rising polarization between the major powers is one of the challenges
as well.
There are only 5 seats for becoming a permanent member of the
United Nations Security Council. However, in 2019, France became
the latest member of the UNSC and pushed the permanent seat of
India.
For now, it seems like a distant dream for India to become a member
of the UNSC.

UNSC UPSC
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a crucial pillar of the United
Nations system, holds paramount importance in maintaining international
peace and security. Aspirants, during their UPSC examination preparation,
need to comprehend the intricate workings and significance of the UNSC,

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