The Urgent Need for a Carve Out Exception in the United Nations Security Council Veto Power

Abstract

The present article analyzes the ineffectiveness of the United Nations’ enforcement of biological warfare violations. After the Biological Warfare Convention (BWC) of 1972, little has been done to punish violations. This is in part to the failure of the BWC to implement an accountability system. Additionally, the sanctioning powers of the United Nations Security Council have been routinely stymied by the veto powers of the five permanent members (China, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, and France). To ensure countries abide by the BWC, a solution is needed regarding veto powers. This article proposes that the United States should pursue a United Nations amendment creating a narrow carve-out exception of the veto power in relation to biological warfare violations.