Publication

In 1999, the UN Security Council expanded its focus from worrying about the security of states to protecting civilians in armed conflict. This brief argues that this adjustment 1) subsequently bolstered the authority of the five permanent UNSC members in world politics; 2) has since provided them with a flexible tool to exercise authority over the internal affairs of conflict-ridden countries; and 3) shapes the decisions of conflict actors, who now have to anticipate international responses either for or against their actions.