The Use Of The Veto Powerandthe Power Pattern’s Change On The Security Council

The veto power of the five permanent members make United Nations(UN) Security Council, the most powerful sector, become the most intense power struggle place.On the basis of understanding of the veto power, this article focuses on the usage of veto after the establishment of the UN. As a product of the collective security system and privilege of the five victors, the veto power have both positive and negative affect after the Second World War. In general, nearly 70 years,the existence of veto is good for the international community. However,considering from the Council framework, when using the power of veto as a passive resistance by the five permanent members, the veto as "immunity" to avoid themselves and their allies from harm which means a country within the council is difficult to obtain sufficient support; and if it is too frequent to exercise the veto in a certain period, then you can consider the power of a country in the Security Council is in a relatively weak side of the internal system.This paper mainly studied exercise of veto by the five permanent members of the UN and changes of power pattern within the Security Council. From 1945 to 1965, the Soviet used veto frequently in the Security Council which is mainly made up of western countries with dominancy within the power pattern of the Council; from 1966 to 1985,the UN membership changed with the rising of the Third World countries. During this period, the US exercise veto more frequently, the Council’s authority gradually shift the pattern of a favorable situation for the Soviet Union; Since 1986, the end of the Cold War, with the ease of bipolar camp, the scope of jointed agreement expand in the Council which reduced the number of exercise of veto. Especially after the endof the Cold War, with the disintegration of Soviet Union, bipolar confrontation also disappeard, the UN can develop and function well.The United States remains as the dominant superpower leading the United Nations agenda setting, the Council maintains “one superpower and multi powers” structure during this time.Throughout the history of the UN, the power pattern of Security Council always present dynamic changes. Under the new situation, “one superpower and multi power” structure will not last too long and has converted to a "multipolar" trend. With the international requirement increased, the reform of veto system is imperative.