Resolution 678

Definition

Resolution 678 is a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted on November 29, 1990, which authorized member states to use force against Iraq in response to its invasion of Kuwait. This resolution marked a significant moment in international relations and military intervention, particularly in the context of the post-Cold War landscape and the Gulf War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution 678 was adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council and set a deadline of January 15, 1991, for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait.
2. The resolution laid the groundwork for a coalition of 34 countries, led by the United States, to take military action if Iraq did not comply with the withdrawal deadline.
3. It marked a shift in post-Cold War foreign policy, as it represented a new willingness for international coalitions to use military force to uphold global security norms.
4. The resolution emphasized the need for Iraq to comply with previous resolutions regarding its aggression and recognized the right of member states to defend themselves against Iraq's actions.
5. Resolution 678 is often seen as a pivotal moment in establishing the legitimacy of collective military action under UN auspices, influencing future interventions in global conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did Resolution 678 reflect changes in international relations following the Cold War?
  • Resolution 678 highlighted a new era in international relations by showcasing the willingness of multiple nations to unite against aggression. In the wake of the Cold War, there was a significant shift toward collective security measures under the UN framework, moving away from bipolar tensions. The resolution allowed for military intervention to restore order and sovereignty, which indicated an evolving consensus on addressing global conflicts through united action rather than unilateral decisions.
• What were the implications of Resolution 678 for future UN interventions and international law regarding military action?
  • The implications of Resolution 678 extended far beyond the Gulf War; it set a precedent for future UN interventions. The resolution demonstrated how the UN could authorize collective military actions against aggressive states while also reinforcing principles of international law. This had lasting impacts on how future conflicts were addressed, as it established a framework where nations could rally together under UN authorization to intervene militarily in similar situations, thereby shaping subsequent interventions in places like Kosovo and Libya.
• Evaluate the significance of Resolution 678 in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the post-Cold War era and its long-term consequences.
  • Resolution 678 played a critical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy after the Cold War by affirming America's position as a global leader willing to mobilize coalitions for collective security. The successful implementation of this resolution during the Gulf War not only reinforced U.S. military capabilities but also set expectations for future interventions where humanitarian or security concerns arose. However, it also led to complex consequences, such as ongoing military engagements in the Middle East and debates over sovereignty versus humanitarian intervention, fundamentally altering how America approached foreign policy challenges in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Gulf War:

A conflict that took place from 1990 to 1991, initiated by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, leading to a coalition of forces led by the United States intervening to expel Iraqi troops.

Operation Desert Storm:

The combat phase of the Gulf War that began on January 17, 1991, involving a large-scale military campaign to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

UN Security Council: A principal organ of the United Nations responsible for maintaining international peace and security, consisting of 15 member states that can make binding decisions on international conflicts.