A Draft on Security Council Reform

Abstract

The article investigates why UN Security Council reform efforts failed in 1997–98, when after much preparation the issue should have been resolved. It argues that the System of Collective Security, which the founders of the United Nations had envisioned, must be put into effect, to achieve disarmament and lasting peace. This requires that members “confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,” following Article 24 of the UN Charter. To give this article effect, however, national lawmakers must pass legislation, giving the Security Council the power to do its job (and a much wanted code of conduct), by delegating sovereign powers to it.