Regional organisations, collective security and the use of force

Abstract

This chapter discusses the place and role of regional organisations within the United Nations’ collective security system and their contribution to international peace and security. It provides a definition of ‘regional organisation’ and examines the allocation of powers between the United Nations and regional organisations. It then considers the legal framework that applies to the use of force by regional organisations. Following this, the chapter goes on to consider the competence of the Organization of American States, League of Arab States, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, African Union and the European Union in peace and security as provided by their respective treaties. It ends with a discussion of the political and legal relationships between regional organisations and the United Nations, particularly in relation to the use of force and peacekeeping.