The Counter-Reformation of the Security Council

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

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