United We Fall? The
‘Norm of Consensus’ in UN Security Council Decision-Making
Dr Jess Gifkins, University of Exeter
18:00, 20th March,
Westminster Forum, 5th Floor, 32-38 Wells St, University of Westminster, W1T3UW
All are welcome to attend; for further information please contact Dr Aidan Hehir (a.hehir@wmin.ac.uk)
Abstract
The UN Security Council sits at the centre of UN
infrastructure for international peace and security, making decisions that
affect the lives of millions. Yet, its decisions are largely made behind
closed-doors and there is often little indication of the process by which
decisions are reached. This paper will explain and illustrate a key feature of
the Security Council’s decision-making process: the norm of consensus. The UN
Security Council was explicitly designed not to require consensus – to overcome
the limitations of the League Council. Yet, so far this century, over 91% of
resolutions voted on by the Security Council have passed with the unanimous
support of all fifteen members. In this paper I will outline both behavioural
and rhetorical evidence to suggest that this trend has become a ‘norm’ of
decision-making in the Council. This can be seen both in voting patterns and in
statements given after a resolution is voted on. The shift to consensus based
decision-making affects not only the process of reaching a decision, but also
the decisions which are possible. This norm can actually lead to decisions
which are difficult to implement, as members find language they can agree to,
rather than agreeing on the essence of a decision. As such, the norm of
consensus can shape decisions in ways which limit the capacity of the Security Council
to address crisis situations.
