Defense Videos

The UN Security Council Has Changed, Here’s How

The video explains that the United Nations Security Council, which once routinely adopted resolutions on Iran and North Korea by unanimous consent, has lost that ability to reach consensus. Historically, from the early 2000s through 2016, the P5 managed to align on sanctions against Tehran and Pyongyang despite deep political rifts. The speaker notes that recent votes have required formal ballots, signaling a shift toward a more transactional, issue‑by‑issue approach. He quotes, “Consensus is gone,” and adds, “It’s not a bromance,” underscoring that the Council’s unity was never perfect but was functional. The new reality means each case will be negotiated on its own merits, with the permanent members leveraging their veto power more overtly. This change could delay collective action, increase diplomatic bargaining, and weaken the Council’s credibility in enforcing non‑proliferation norms, reshaping how states pursue security objectives.