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How can the UN Security Council respond when a dispute threatens international peace?

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Taking prisoners — diplomacy A larger-than-life Ramses II towering over his prisoners and clutching them by the hair. Limestone bas-relief from Memphis, Egypt, 1290–24 bce; in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

The UN Security Council is tasked with the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. When a dispute threatens this stability, the Council may respond through a tiered approach outlined in the UN Charter.12

Peaceful Settlement

Under Chapter 6, the Council first seeks to resolve disputes through peaceful means. It may investigate any situation to determine if it endangers international peace and recommend specific procedures for adjustment, such as:
* Mediation
* Arbitration
* Negotiation or judicial decisions1

The Council may also authorize peacekeeping forces to separate warring parties while negotiations continue.2

Coercive Measures

If peaceful efforts fail, Chapter 7 grants the Council the authority to order coercive measures to uphold collective security. These include:
* Diplomatic or economic sanctions
* Military action against an offending state12

While the Council holds the power to make binding decisions, its effectiveness can be hindered by the veto power held by its five permanent members. In such instances, the General Assembly may, under the "Uniting for Peace" resolution, provide recommendations to address the threat.12