Under the United Nations (UN) Charter, the UNSC bears the primary responsibility for world peace and international security.  It is the pre-eminent body of the UN, taking decisions on the pacific settlement of disputes - Chapter VI of the Charter, Pacific Settlement of Disputes - and in the event of breaches of peace and acts of aggression, deciding on enforcement measures, including the use of armed force - Chapter VII of the Charter.

It is organized as to be able to function continuously, and for that a representative from each Member State must be present at all times at the UN headquarters. When a complaint concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the Council's first action is, usually, to recommend the parties to try to reach agreement by peaceful means. In some cases, the Council itself undertakes investigation and mediation, appointing special representatives or requesting the Secretary-General to do so through his good offices. The Council may, also, set forth principles for a peaceful settlement.

The Council may decide on enforcement measures, economic sanctions (such as trade embargoes) or collective military action. A State that is not a Member of the Security Council may be invited to take part in a discussion of the Council, without the right to vote.