Might or Right? The Prospect of an ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Security Council Veto

About/Bio

William Cheng is a postgraduate research student at the University of Oxford. His research explores the nexus between national security and international law. He presently works at an international tribunal and has trained across various bodies of the United Nations. All views expressed are his own.”

Recently Published

Might or Right? The Prospect of an ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Security Council Veto

December 30, 2025

Johan Stagstrup

William Cheng

The United Nations Security Council (“SC”) veto has once again become a focal point of debate. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and paralysis over the situation in Gaza have revived a familiar concern: the SC’s primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security appears ill served when one permanent member (“P5”) can unilaterally block even minimal action in response…