Expanding the UN’s Collective Security System

Do the Responsibility to Protect and the Duty to Prevent Conform to its Ideal Elements?

Abstract

The United Nations’ 60th anniversary has prompted discussion and debate as to how best to improve this weakened organization. These discussions have included the adoption of two new doctrines to the existing collective security system. The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and Duty to Prevent, however, are not necessarily compatible with the ideals of the system as envisioned by the framers of the Charter. In striving to improve the legitimacy of the organization, the R2P and most certainly, the Duty to Prevent may undermine the very organization they seek to strengthen.