United Nations Security Council Resolution 84

Definition

United Nations Security Council Resolution 84 was adopted on July 7, 1950, in response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea. This resolution authorized the establishment of a United Nations Command to assist South Korea and called for member states to provide military support, marking a significant moment in international relations during the early Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution 84 marked the first time the UN Security Council authorized military action to repel an aggressor state under the principle of collective security.
2. The resolution was passed with the absence of the Soviet Union, which was boycotting the Security Council at that time, allowing for unanimous support from Western nations.
3. Following this resolution, a multinational force was quickly assembled to aid South Korea, including troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries.
4. The adoption of Resolution 84 set a precedent for future UN interventions in conflicts around the world, showcasing a shift towards international military cooperation.
5. This resolution played a key role in escalating military involvement in the Korean War, contributing to a broader context of U.S. foreign policy focused on containment of communism.

Review Questions

• How did United Nations Security Council Resolution 84 influence international responses to aggression during the early Cold War?
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 84 significantly influenced international responses to aggression by establishing a framework for collective security through UN intervention. By authorizing military assistance to South Korea following North Korea's invasion, it demonstrated that the international community could unite against acts of aggression. This set a precedent for future interventions and showcased a growing willingness among nations to cooperate militarily under UN auspices during the tense geopolitical climate of the Cold War.
• Analyze the implications of the absence of the Soviet Union during the passage of Resolution 84 on global politics at that time.
  • The absence of the Soviet Union during the passage of Resolution 84 had major implications for global politics. It allowed Western nations to act without opposition in the Security Council, highlighting divisions in international relations that characterized the Cold War. This situation not only facilitated a unified response against North Korea but also underscored the polarization between communist and capitalist blocs. The lack of Soviet presence reflected broader tensions that would continue to shape diplomatic and military engagements worldwide.
• Evaluate how Resolution 84 reshaped U.S. military policy in Asia and its long-term effects on U.S.-South Korea relations.
  • Resolution 84 reshaped U.S. military policy in Asia by committing American forces to active combat in Korea and setting a precedent for future military interventions in defense of allies. This intervention solidified U.S. presence in East Asia and established a long-term security partnership with South Korea that persists today. The resolution also influenced U.S. policies regarding containment strategies across Asia, contributing to a continuous military engagement that shaped regional stability and alliances throughout subsequent decades.

Related terms

Cold War: A prolonged period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, influencing global alliances and conflicts from the late 1940s to the early 1990s.

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 UN forces led by the United States.

Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV): A joint command responsible for coordinating military operations in Vietnam, reflecting the U.S. strategy of providing support to allies during conflicts influenced by Cold War dynamics.