Part V The Functions of International Organizations, Ch.29 Use of Force

Subject(s):

Armed conflict — Collective security — Humanitarian intervention — International organizations, practice and procedure

This chapter begins by explaining how international organization has always remained firmly wedded to the aim of controlling violence or war. It goes on to discuss the establishment of the League of Nations as an organization against war, which was followed by the creation of the United Nations organization as a system of collective security. It then considers the hierarchies within the organizations in relation to the use of force. While the UN Security Council enjoys primary responsibility in relation to international peace and security, it does not enjoy exclusive responsibility. First, there is the issue of the UN's own organs in relation to this issue area. Then there is the question of organizations external to the UN. The chapter argues that the present system of international organization for the maintenance of international security remains incomplete or at times dysfunctional. This applies to the lack of comprehensive compulsory dispute settlement; the problem of representation and the veto in the Security Council; and allegations of double standards which allow some issues to be addressed, but not others.