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The UN challenged, 1967 to 89
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During the Cold War, the veto often paralysed the Security Council. The UN struggled in the Middle East but had some later success in Namibia.
The Middle East
Resolution 242 (1967), after the Six-Day War, called for Israel to withdraw from territories occupied in the war and for all states to live in peace within secure borders.
Resolution 338 (1973), after the Yom Kippur War, called for a ceasefire and for Resolution 242 to be carried out.
Both were widely ignored, and the Palestinian question stayed unresolved.
Resolution 338 (1973), after the Yom Kippur War, called for a ceasefire and for Resolution 242 to be carried out.
Both were widely ignored, and the Palestinian question stayed unresolved.
Lebanon
During Lebanon's civil war (1975 onwards) and Israeli interventions, a UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL, from 1978) was sent to the south but could not prevent fighting, including Israel's invasion of 1982.
The Permanent Five and Namibia
Cold War rivalry meant the Permanent 5 often used vetoes, blocking action.
As the Cold War ended, cooperation improved. In 1989 a UN mission oversaw elections in Namibia, which became independent in 1990: a clear success.
As the Cold War ended, cooperation improved. In 1989 a UN mission oversaw elections in Namibia, which became independent in 1990: a clear success.
Why did the Security Council struggle to act in this period?
- The USA and USSR were Cold War rivals.
- Each used its veto to protect its allies.
- So many resolutions were blocked or ignored.
Answer: Cold War rivalry led to vetoes and paralysis.
Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) on the Middle East were largely ignored. In Lebanon (from 1975) UNIFIL could not stop fighting. P5 vetoes paralysed the Security Council in the Cold War. Namibia (1989) was a success as the Cold War ended.
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