False Security

Threats to peace, violations of security and challenges to world order, which led to the creation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 will continue. States and state-like entities will continue to approach the UN with their grievances. The credibility and global relevance of the UN hinges on its ability to uphold and enforce its Charter. The UN Security Council invokes Chapter VII of the UN Charter through the use of sanctions and / or subsequent military action when there is a threat to peace and security. Chapter VII resolutions, however, do not always meet their objectives. If Chapter VII reform results in a clearer mission statement with realistic ends, ways, means and parameters in which to operate, the UN will be more reliable and effective in providing global security. The relationship between the UN and the rest of the world is based on perceptions of capability. The United State's perception of the UN is driven by the reality that in all cases of Chapter VII sanctions where the sanction evolved into military enforcement, the US was involved. This often resulted in a perception that the UN was unable to carry out Chapter VII operations. Though primarily due to the UN's membership not providing the UN with the ways and means to live up to its Chapter VII responsibilities, a shift in thinking could improve the UN's credibility. Member nations can transform the UN into one that promotes its strengths and eradicates its weaknesses.