Restoring Constraint on Aggression

The prohibition of the use of force is the foundation of the modern international order. Out of the ashes of World War II, the founders of the United Nations resolved to prevent the scourge of war. Now this prohibition is under dire threat, primarily, though not only, from some of the veto-wielding Permanent Five members of the Security Council. Acts of aggression are undermining the international peace and security framework of the modern era. The international community must come together to devise concrete consequences for acts of aggression.

Specifically, the international community should establish a standing body to address aggression. This standing body would investigate crimes of aggression for future prosecution, recommend the imposition of economic sanctions and recommend the barring of aggressor States from serving in UN leadership positions. The General Assembly should establish this standing body or, failing that, a coalition of States should establish it outside the auspices of the United Nations.