The Expected Combat Role of the United Nations Military Forces

Abstract

The Security Council is facing increasing challenges to fulfil its role of maintaining international peace and security, especially in environments affected by terrorism. These environments are less sensitive to mediation and other peace and security tools developed over the last few decades. The Council often considers military action as an option to maintain international peace and security, however, it fails to envision its own role. This article intends to bring some context and perspective by analysing the expectations of heads of state and government and diplomatic representatives regarding the role of what many called the “United Nations Armed Forces” back in 1945 when the United Nations Charter was adopted. An analysis of original documents, official records, decisions, videos and speeches shows that the United Nations military forces were expected to engage in direct combat if other means of maintaining international peace and security failed. The Organization has never assumed this fundamental role. Even though the world has changed since 1945, the vision and ideas present at the time of the UN’s founding can inspire the changes that the Organization needs to undergo to fulfil its expected role.