Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 with the goal of promoting peace, security, development, and human rights worldwide through collective action by its member states.
Related terms
General Assembly: The main deliberative body of the United Nations, where all member states have equal representation and discuss global issues.
Security Council: A UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, composed of five permanent members with veto power and ten rotating non-permanent members.
International Court of Justice (ICJ): The principal judicial organ of the United Nations, which settles legal disputes between countries based on international law.