United Nations Security Council Use of Veto

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) veto power, established under the UN Charter in 1945, allows any of the five permanent members—China, France, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), the United Kingdom, and the United States—to block any substantive resolution, even if it has majority support. This mechanism was designed to ensure that the most powerful nations would remain engaged with the UN, preventing actions against their core interests. However, it has also been criticized for enabling deadlock and inaction on critical global issues.

From 1946 to 1991, during the Cold War, the Soviet Union was the most frequent user of the veto, often to block Western-led initiatives. The United States also exercised its veto power, primarily in support of Israel in Middle Eastern conflicts. The UK and France used their vetoes less frequently but occasionally to protect their post-colonial interests. China, initially represented by the Republic of China (Taiwan) until 1971, used the veto only once before the People’s Republic of China assumed the seat and began employing it more actively.

Following the Cold War, from 1991 to 2010, the use of the veto decreased, but remained a significant tool of geopolitical strategy. The United States frequently used it to shield Israel from resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while Russia and China began vetoing Western-backed resolutions on issues such as Kosovo, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe. France and the UK rarely exercised their vetoes, often aligning with broader UN consensus.

From 2011 onward, veto usage increased due to growing geopolitical tensions, particularly over conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, and Palestine. Russia and China have blocked multiple resolutions aimed at condemning or intervening in the Syrian Civil War. Russia has vetoed resolutions regarding Ukraine, especially after its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion. The U.S. has continued vetoing resolutions critical of Israel, particularly concerning Gaza and West Bank policies.

By 2024, the debate over veto reform has intensified, with many UN member states arguing that the power is outdated and obstructs humanitarian efforts. Some proposals suggest limiting its use in cases of mass atrocities, while others advocate expanding the Security Council to include new permanent members without veto rights. However, due to the structure of the UN Charter, any reform would require approval from the very nations that benefit from the veto, making significant change unlikely in the near future.