To what extent has Britain’s foreign policy been dictated by the UN?

what is the UN

• The United Nations is created after WW2 to prevent another war happening again (similar to the failed League of Nations after WW1)

• The UN Charter was devised and debated by original members before it was signed

purpose of the UN

• Maintain peace and security by using collective and peaceful measures to resolve conflicts and stop aggression.

• Promote friendly relations between nations, based on equality and self-determination.

• Encourage cooperation on global economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian issues, including human rights.

principles of the UN

• All member states are sovereign and equal, and must act in good faith to fulfil UN obligations.

• Disputes must be resolved peacefully, and members must not use or threaten force.

• Members must support UN actions and avoid interfering in domestic matters—unless enforcement is required under Chapter VII.

UN charter

• Maintenance of peace and security in the world

• Prevent aggression

• Peaceful settlement of international disputes

• Address economic, social and cultural issues

• Promote human rights and basic freedoms for ALL

pros for Britain of the UN

Global Legitimacy	The UN provides legal and moral legitimacy to military and diplomatic actions (e.g. Gulf War 1991).
Influence as a Permanent Member	As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Britain holds veto power and helps shape major international decisions.
Promotes International Stability	The UN supports peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution, aligning with Britain's interests in global stability.
Multilateral Support	Allows Britain to work alongside allies and share responsibility in crises, reducing costs and risks of unilateral action.
Platform for Diplomacy	Britain uses the UN to promote values like democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, enhancing soft power.

cons for Britain of the UN

Limited Control	Britain cannot always control UN decisions or outcomes, especially if overruled or vetoed by other permanent members (e.g. Russia, China).
Constraint on Sovereignty	Britain may be limited in acting independently (e.g. Suez Crisis 1956 lacked UN backing and faced international backlash).
Bureaucracy & Inefficiency	The UN can be slow and ineffective in urgent crises due to complex structures and diplomacy.
Unequal Burden	As a major power, Britain contributes significant funding and troops, sometimes for limited return or influence.
Clashes with US or NATO	Britain's actions may sometimes favour NATO or the "special relationship" over UN resolutions, creating diplomatic tensions.

evidence of Korean War 1950-1953 (not) conforming to UN Charter

Conformed	Britain acted under a UN resolution to repel aggression after North Korea invaded the South. It supported collective security and international peace.
Did not conform	The war was heavily US-led, with critics arguing it served Cold War interests more than UN principles of peaceful resolution.

evidence of Suez Crisis 1956 (not) conforming to UN Charter

Conformed	Britain claimed it was protecting international navigation and regional stability.
Did not conform	The invasion was done without UN approval and in secret collusion with France and Israel — widely seen as imperialist aggression. The UN and USA condemned the action. Britain used its Security Council veto to block censure.

evidence of Falklands War 1982 (not) conforming to UN Charter

Conformed	Britain responded to Argentina’s unlawful invasion of the Falklands, a self-determining British territory. The UN passed Resolution 502, demanding Argentine withdrawal.
Did not conform	Some critics viewed Britain's use of force as excessive, though it was widely accepted as legal. The war had high costs and left long-term tensions.

evidence of Gulf War 1991 (not) conforming to UN Charter

Conformed	Britain acted under a UN-authorised coalition to expel Iraq from Kuwait — a clear case of collective security and international law enforcement.
Did not conform	Some nations viewed the war as Western imperialism under a UN cover. Saddam remained in power, and the civilian toll raised concerns about proportionality.

evidence of South Africa 1960s-1980s (not) conforming to UN Charter

Conformed	Britain publicly opposed apartheid and supported some sanctions in the 1980s.
Did not conform	Britain vetoed several UN resolutions condemning apartheid and white minority rule, angering newly decolonised nations and Commonwealth members. Critics accused Britain of tolerating racism for strategic/economic reasons.