UN Security Council Resolution 84

Definition

UN Security Council Resolution 84 was adopted on July 7, 1950, in response to North Korea's invasion of South Korea, authorizing military action to repel the aggression. This resolution marked a pivotal moment in international relations as it was the first time the United Nations took collective military action under the principle of collective security, reflecting the increasing tensions of the Cold War era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution 84 was passed during a time when the Soviet Union was boycotting the UN Security Council, allowing the resolution to pass without veto.
2. The resolution called for member states to provide military assistance to South Korea, leading to a significant U.S. military presence in Asia.
3. This was one of the first instances where the UN authorized force against a member state, which set a precedent for future UN military interventions.
4. The resolution emphasized the necessity of maintaining international peace and security amidst rising tensions caused by the Cold War.
5. UN Security Council Resolution 84 laid the groundwork for subsequent military operations during the Korean War and established the UN's role in conflict resolution.

Review Questions

• How did UN Security Council Resolution 84 change international approaches to military intervention?
  • UN Security Council Resolution 84 fundamentally shifted international norms by legitimizing collective military action under the UN's authority. Prior to this resolution, there were hesitations about intervening militarily due to concerns over sovereignty and unilateral actions. The resolution illustrated how nations could unite against aggression and take decisive action under international law, thus paving the way for future UN interventions in global conflicts.
• Evaluate the implications of UN Security Council Resolution 84 on U.S. foreign policy during the early Cold War period.
  • The adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 84 significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy by committing American forces to combat North Korean aggression in support of South Korea. This decision marked a turning point where containment became a cornerstone of U.S. strategy in Asia. The U.S. not only increased its military presence in Korea but also recognized its role as a global leader in promoting collective security, shaping its interventions in future conflicts during the Cold War.
• Analyze how UN Security Council Resolution 84 reflects the broader geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era.
  • UN Security Council Resolution 84 is emblematic of the heightened geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, particularly between Western powers and communist states. The response to North Korea's invasion underscores fears of communist expansion and solidifies alliances among democratic nations against perceived threats. Additionally, this resolution showcases how global conflicts during this period were framed within ideological battles, as U.N. actions were often viewed as efforts to contain Soviet influence and maintain a balance of power in an increasingly polarized world.

Related terms

Korean War: A conflict that lasted from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, backed by United Nations forces primarily from the United States.

Collective Security: An arrangement among nations to act together to deter aggression and maintain peace, often through military action if necessary.

NSC-68: A key United States policy document drafted in 1950 that outlined a strategy for confronting the Soviet threat during the Cold War, advocating for military buildup and containment.