Absolute Veto
An absolute veto is a power held by a single person or group to block a decision made by a larger group. This power is often used in political systems to prevent changes that are seen as harmful or unnecessary.
In the United Nations Security Council, the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) have the power of absolute veto. This means that any one of these countries can block a resolution, even if it is supported by the other 14 members of the council.
The use of the veto has been controversial, as it can be used to prevent the Security Council from taking action on important issues. For example, Russia has used its veto to block resolutions on the Syrian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
History of the Absolute Veto
The absolute veto has its roots in the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed at the end of World War I. The treaty gave the five permanent members of the League of Nations (the predecessor to the United Nations) the power to veto any resolution.
The veto was intended to prevent any one country from dominating the League of Nations. However, it has also been used to block action on important issues. For example, the United States used its veto to block a resolution that would have condemned the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982.
Use of the Absolute Veto in the United Nations
The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have used their veto power a total of 275 times since the Security Council was established in 1945. Russia has used its veto the most times, with 142 vetoes. The United States has used its veto 82 times, the United Kingdom has used its veto 32 times, France has used its veto 18 times, and China has used its veto 14 times.
The veto has been used to block resolutions on a wide range of issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Syrian civil war, and the use of chemical weapons in Syria. The veto has also been used to block resolutions on human rights abuses in countries such as Myanmar and North Korea.
Criticism of the Absolute Veto
The use of the absolute veto has been criticized by many people, who argue that it prevents the Security Council from taking action on important issues. They argue that the veto gives too much power to a small number of countries and that it can be used to block resolutions that are supported by the majority of the Security Council.
Proponents of the veto argue that it is necessary to prevent any one country from dominating the Security Council. They argue that the veto is a valuable tool for protecting the interests of the five permanent members and that it helps to ensure that the Security Council is able to take action on important issues.
Conclusion
The absolute veto is a controversial power that has been used to block action on important issues in the United Nations. The veto gives too much power to a small number of countries and can be used to prevent the Security Council from taking action on issues that are supported by the majority of the Security Council. However, the veto is also a valuable tool for protecting the interests of the five permanent members and helps to ensure that the Security Council is able to take action on important issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an absolute veto?
An absolute veto is a power held by a single person or group to block a decision made by a larger group. This power is often used in political systems to prevent changes that are seen as harmful or unnecessary.
In which organizations is the absolute veto used?
The absolute veto is used in the United Nations Security Council, the European Union Council, and the Council of the European Union.
Who has the power of absolute veto in the United Nations Security Council?
The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) have the power of absolute veto.
How has the absolute veto been used in the United Nations Security Council?
The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have used their veto power a total of 275 times since the Security Council was established in 1945. Russia has used its veto the most times, with 142 vetoes. The United States has used its veto 82 times, the United Kingdom has used its veto 32 times, France has used its veto 18 times, and China has used its veto 14 times.
What are the criticisms of the absolute veto?
The use of the absolute veto has been criticized by many people, who argue that it prevents the Security Council from taking action on important issues. They argue that the veto gives too much power to a small number of countries and