The Counter-Reformation of the Security Council

Journal of Internatinoal Law & International Relations, Vol. 2, No. 1, Winter 2005

Notre Dame Legal Studies Paper No. 06-06

16 Pages Posted: 31 Mar 2006 Last revised: 28 Apr 2009

Date Written: 2005

Abstract

In September 2003, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan launched another round of United Nations reform. By October 2005, commentators concluded the attempt accomplished little. But there were results and possibly more important results than simply adding more seats to the Security Council: the United Nations Charter principles regulating the use of force were saved from destruction. The vast majority of UN members endorsed a return to orthodoxy. They renewed their commitment to banning the use of force except in self-defense to an armed attack or with the authorization of the Security Council. The reform process also highlighted the need for the Council to respect international legal principles when it authorizes force. These results may mitigate damage to the international legal system caused by the 1999 Kosovo intervention and the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Keywords: United Nations, United Nations Charter, United Nations reform, Security Council, Kosovo, Iraq, international law, use of force, self-defense, humanitarian intervention

Suggested Citation

O'Connell, Mary Ellen, The Counter-Reformation of the Security Council (2005). Journal of Internatinoal Law & International Relations, Vol. 2, No. 1, Winter 2005, Notre Dame Legal Studies Paper No. 06-06, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=893825

Mary Ellen O'Connell (Contact Author)

Notre Dame Law School ( email )

P.O. Box 780
Notre Dame, IN 46556-0780
United States
574-631-7953 (Phone)

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