How did the Cold War affect the United Nations Security Council?

During the Cold War, the United Nations Security Council was frequently rendered an ineffective institution due to continual disagreements between the United States and the Soviet Union. The veto power held by the permanent members allowed these superpowers to block substantive actions, often leading to gridlock.12

A notable exception occurred in June 1950 during the Korean War. Because the Soviet Union was boycotting the council over the issue of China’s representation, it was unable to exercise its veto, allowing the United States to secure resolutions authorizing military force to support South Korea.23

Beyond this, the council struggled to function as intended regarding collective security. For instance, no agreements were concluded to provide the council with the permanent armed forces originally envisioned by the UN Charter. Throughout the era, the provisions of Chapter 7 of the UN Charter—which allow for enforcement actions—were invoked only twice with the support of all five permanent members: against Southern Rhodesia in 1966 and South Africa in 1977.3