United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC, or UN Security Council) is one of the five primary organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security.  The UNSC resolutions are binding on all member states.  The UNSC was established on January 17, 1946 and includes the five permanent members (United States, Russian Federation [as a state successor to the USSR], United Kingdom, China and Frace) which hold veto power, and also ten elected non-permanent members.  The UNSC's first actions in situations which may cause a "threat to peace and security" is to recommend to the parties to try to reach agreement by peaceful means.  The council may issue cease fire directive, diploy peace-keeping forces of take other measures such as economic sanctions, trade embargos of military action.