Permanent Five (P5)

Definition

The Permanent Five refers to the five countries holding veto power in the United Nations Security Council, namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These countries play a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security by having the ability to approve or block any substantive resolution.

Related terms

United Nations Security Council: An organ of the United Nations responsible for maintaining international peace and security, composed of 15 members including the Permanent Five.

Veto Power: The authority given to each of the P5 members to reject any substantive resolution in the Security Council, effectively preventing its adoption regardless of its support by other members.

International Peace and Security: A state of global affairs where nations coexist without conflict and work together to prevent war or aggression through diplomatic, humanitarian, or enforcement actions