Volume XII – Number 2
Kathleen Bremen
Abstract: Decisions made by the General Assembly in recent years have caused shock to both America and other nations. Continual attacks on developed nations have even caused the US to consider leaving the United Nations due to changes in the operational purposes of the General Assembly and fear of majority radicalization. This article looks to prove through case studies that radical actions taken by the majority in the General Assembly are a direct result of the strategic veto power of the Security Council being misused. Through examples of conflict such as Vietnam, Israel and The Congo, this piece shows that the three basic assumptions about veto power: great powers acting in unison could stop any threat to international peace, combined wisdom and strength of the great powers will be sufficient to meet all threats to international peace and the great powers would not be threatened, are unrealistic. By citing the original articles 10-17 of the UN Charter, this piece asserts that fair assessment of General Assembly resolutions by the Security Council will ultimately end the disillusionment over radicalization within the General Assembly majority.
Key Words: United Nations, Veto, Majority Rule, Developed, General Assembly, Security Council
