Thinking in English

352. What is the United Nations Security Council? (English Vocabulary Lesson)


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In recent weeks the United Nations Security Council has met to discuss Israel’s planned military expansion in Gaza, to reject the creation of a rival government in Sudan, and hear reports of conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and at the Thailand/Cambodia border.

The Security Council is a powerful, yet controversial, organisation at the centre of the United Nations. They have an immense amount of power, but this power is concentrated in the hands of just 5 countries.

Today I want to think about 2 questions. What exactly is the UN Security Council, and why does it have so much influence over international peace and security?

In today’s episode of Thinking in English, we’re going to look at the history of the Security Council, how it works, and the difference between permanent and temporary members.

We’ll talk about its goals and powers, examine some of the criticisms it faces, and think about what the future might hold for one of the most powerful organisations in the world.


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    Thinking in EnglishBy Thomas Wilkinson

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