Which UN body is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security, with the power to authorize sanctions, peacekeeping operations, and the use of force under Chapter VII of the UN Charter?
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council
- International Court of Justice
Answer: Security Council
The Security Council has primary responsibility for peace and security. Its 15 members (5 permanent with veto) can adopt binding resolutions, impose sanctions, authorize peace operations, and refer situations to the ICC, making it the UN's most powerful decision-making body on security matters.