Introduction
The international community was still grappling with the deep scars left by the First World War when the Second World War erupted in 1939. This second global conflict resulted in unprecedented destruction, political instability, humanitarian crises, and a serious disruption of development across nations. The failure of earlier international mechanisms made it evident that a stronger and more effective global institution was necessary to prevent future conflicts.
In response to this need, the United Nations[1] was established on 26 June 1945 through the signing of the UN Charter by 51 founding countries. The organisation was created as a collective platform to promote peace, stability, and cooperation among nations.
The primary objective behind the formation of the United Nations was the maintenance of international peace and security, along with the promotion of friendly relations, social progress, better living standards, and respect for human rights.
International Peace: The Current Scenario
International peace[2] refers to a condition of harmony among states, where disputes are resolved through diplomacy, negotiation, and cooperation rather than military confrontation. In today’s globalised world, peace is not limited to the absence of war but also includes political stability, respect for sovereignty, and protection of human rights.
However, the present global situation reflects a decline in sustainable peace. Over the past few years, several peace initiatives and ceasefire agreements have been attempted, yet lasting solutions remain rare. Repeated failures of de-escalation efforts, such as those seen in the Armenia–Azerbaijan[3] conflict, raise serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of peace treaties.
The Israel–Palestine[4] conflict, particularly around the Gaza Strip, remains a prominent example of failed diplomatic efforts. Despite being addressed at the United Nations as early as 1949, violence and civilian casualties continue to persist. Reports following the Gaza ceasefire in late October 2025 indicated significant loss of life and injuries, highlighting the fragile nature of peace agreements.
Similarly, the Russia–Ukraine[5] war poses a grave threat to international peace and global stability. Beyond military confrontation, the conflict has affected global economic growth, energy security, food supply chains, and humanitarian conditions.
Long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan[6], rooted in the partition of 1947, also continue to undermine regional peace. Despite international intervention and UN involvement, border disputes and ceasefire violations persist, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.
In East Asia, tensions between China and Taiwan[7] have intensified. China continues to assert sovereignty over Taiwan and has increased military activity in the region. Although UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) addressed China’s representation at the UN, it did not resolve issues concerning Taiwan’s sovereignty or international participation, leaving the matter diplomatically unresolved.
Additionally, concerns regarding human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims[8] in China’s Xinjiang region and the collapse of peace agreements in the Democratic Republic of Congo further illustrate the deteriorating state of international peace.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East demonstrates these limitations. The war between Israel and Hamas following the 2023 escalation has created a severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. While the UN has repeatedly called for ceasefires and humanitarian assistance, meaningful enforcement has been difficult. Several proposed resolutions in the Security Council have been blocked or diluted due to political divisions, particularly the strong diplomatic support provided by the United States to Israel. As a result, the UN’s role has largely been limited to humanitarian relief through agencies such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency rather than effective conflict resolution.[9]
Another example is the broader geopolitical tension in the Gulf region involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states. Rivalries related to regional influence, nuclear concerns, and proxy conflicts have kept the region unstable for decades. The UN has attempted to mediate through diplomatic initiatives and sanctions regimes, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear programme under the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. However, the withdrawal of the United States from the agreement in 2018 significantly weakened the diplomatic framework and demonstrated how unilateral actions by powerful states can undermine multilateral institutions. The UN could not prevent the collapse of this arrangement, highlighting its dependence on the cooperation of major powers.[10]
The involvement of the United States in several conflicts further complicates the UN’s role. Military interventions such as the Iraq War were widely debated within the UN framework. Despite the absence of explicit Security Council authorization for the invasion, the operation proceeded, illustrating how powerful nations can act outside the UN system when their strategic interests are at stake. Such actions weaken the authority of international institutions and raise questions about the effectiveness of collective security mechanisms.[11]
Role of the United Nations in Maintaining International Peace
The United Nations[12] plays a central role in maintaining international peace and security through its legal framework, institutional mechanisms, and diplomatic initiatives. This commitment is clearly expressed in Article 1 of the UN Charter, which identifies the prevention of threats to peace and the suppression of acts of aggression as the organisation’s primary purpose. The Charter envisions the UN as a collective platform where disputes are resolved through cooperation rather than force.
The framework for peace maintenance is mainly provided under Chapter VI[13] (Articles 33–38) and Chapter VII[14] (Articles 39–51) of the UN Charter. Chapter VI focuses on the peaceful settlement of disputes, encouraging states to resolve conflicts through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, or judicial settlement. Article 33 specifically obliges parties to seek peaceful solutions before disputes escalate into armed conflict.
When diplomatic efforts fail, Chapter VII empowers the UN Security Council to take enforcement measures. Under Article 39, the Security Council determines the existence of a threat to peace, breach of peace, or act of aggression. Article 41 authorises non-military actions such as economic sanctions and diplomatic restrictions, while Article 42 permits collective military action when necessary to restore peace.
The UN Security Council, under Article 24[15], bears primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Its decisions are binding on all member states, giving it significant authority in addressing global conflicts. In addition, UN peacekeeping operations, though not expressly mentioned in the Charter, have evolved as a practical tool for monitoring ceasefires, protecting civilians, supporting disarmament, and assisting post-conflict reconstruction.
The UN General Assembly, through Articles 10–14[16], contributes by deliberating on peace-related matters and adopting resolutions, while the Secretary-General, under Article 99[17], plays a crucial role in preventive diplomacy by drawing attention to emerging threats and facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties.
Duty vs Reality: A Critical Analysis
Despite its strong legal mandate, a noticeable gap exists between the duties assigned to the United Nations and the realities of international politics. One of the most significant limitations is the veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council, which often paralyses decision-making and prevents timely intervention in serious conflicts.
Furthermore, the UN’s dependence on state consent restricts its ability to intervene effectively in internal conflicts and humanitarian crises. Peacekeeping missions often face challenges such as limited resources, restricted mandates, and political constraints, reducing their preventive capacity.
Another major concern is the lack of enforceability of General Assembly resolutions and International Court of Justice decisions, which weakens compliance with international law. Consequently, the UN often functions more as a forum for debate than as an instrument of decisive action.
Conclusion
The United Nations remains the most comprehensive global institution dedicated to maintaining international peace and security. Its Charter provides a strong legal and moral foundation for peaceful coexistence, collective security, and international cooperation. However, the persistence of armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and geopolitical rivalries reveals a widening gap between the UN’s ideals and its practical effectiveness.
Bridging this gap requires meaningful reforms, particularly within the Security Council, greater political will from member states, and renewed respect for international law. Strengthening the United Nations is not merely an institutional necessity but a shared global responsibility essential for ensuring lasting peace, human dignity, and sustainable development.
Author(s) Name: Harshita Pandey (Bharati Vidyapeeth New Law College Pune, Maharashtra)
References:
[1] United Nations, Charter of the United Nations (signed 26 June 1945, entered into force 24 October 1945) Preamble and arts 1–2.
[2] United Nations, An Agenda for Peace: Preventive Diplomacy, Peacemaking and Peacekeeping (UN Doc A/47/277, 1992).
[3] Carlotta Gall, ‘Armenia and Azerbaijan Struggle to Reach Lasting Peace After Ceasefire’ The New York Times (New York, 2023).
[4] United Nations, Gaza Ceasefire, ICJ Advisory Opinion, UN Special Rapporteur Report and Humanitarian Assistance – Action by UN System Relevant to the Question of Palestine (October 2025 Monthly Bulletin) https://www.un.org/unispal/document/october-2025-monthly-bulletin/
[5] UN General Assembly, ‘At Three-Year Mark of Russian Federation’s Invasion of Ukraine, General Assembly Renews Call for Peace’ (UN Press Release, 2025) https://press.un.org/en/2025/ga12675.doc.htm
[6] UK House of Commons Library, Kashmir: Renewed India–Pakistan Tensions (Research Briefing CBP-10264, 2025) https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10264/
[7] UNGA Res 2758 (XXVI), ‘Restoration of the Lawful Rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations’ (25 October 1971). See also: United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_2758_(XXVI)
[8] UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, ‘China: UN report finds serious human rights violations in Xinjiang’ (OHCHR, 2022) https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/allegations-of-torture-of-uyghurs-in-chinas-xinjiang-credible-un-3304993
[9] United Nations Security Council, Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, Security Council Debates (2023–2024), United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA Situation Report on the Gaza Crisis (2023–2024).
[10] Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, 14 July 2015; endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, UN Doc S/RES/2231 (20 July 2015), F. Gregory Gause III, The International Relations of the Persian Gulf (Cambridge University Press, 2010).
[11] United Nations Security Council, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, UN Doc S/RES/1441 (8 November 2002), The Charter of the United Nations: A Commentary (Oxford University Press).
[12] Charter of the United Nations (adopted 26 June 1945, entered into force 24 October 1945) 1 UNTS XVI, art 1.
[13] UN Charter, arts 33–38 (Chapter VI: Pacific Settlement of Disputes).
[14] UN Charter, arts 39–42 (Chapter VII: Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression).
[15] UN Charter, art 24; United Nations, What is Peacekeeping? https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping
[16] UN Charter, arts 10–14 (powers of the General Assembly).
[17] UN Charter, art 99 (role of the Secretary-General in matters threatening international peace).
