Is the United Nations security council an independent actor or is it influenced by states?

Answer 1

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The body is made up of State officials, so it is impossible to be an independent actor.

Five States have the power to strike down any motion at their will (Veto Power): US, China, U.K, France, and Russia.

These 5 states heavily influence the security council to the point that what they agree upon is the only resolution that can pass.

Answer 2

It's part of the UN so it is made up of states.

There are five permanent members: US; UK; China: Russia and France

The rest (10) on two year rotations five going off each year. The current lucky 10 are:

Austria

Japan

Uganda

Burkina Faso

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Viet Nam

Costa Rica

Mexico

Croatia

Turkey

The perm members have veto power meaning they can veto resolutions if they do not agree with them. So in that sense they have more sway over the body. But that isn't to say that the others have no power. The others are often the mediators and idea formulators. And remember the goal of the UN is to reach consensus.

For more info visit their website:

http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/

Answer 3

Of course it is influenced by states. Ultimately the UN ambassadors are simply carrying out the will of the heads of state in each respective country.