What is the primary role of the U.S. Security Council in global affairs?

The primary role of the U.S. Security Council in global affairs is to maintain international peace and security. As a principal organ of the United Nations, the Security Council is tasked with addressing threats to peace and acts of aggression. It has the authority to establish peacekeeping operations, impose sanctions, and authorize the use of force to ensure stability in regions experiencing conflict. This responsibility places the Security Council at the forefront of international efforts to prevent wars and resolve conflicts, making peace and security its central focus.

While overseeing economic sanctions and organizing cultural exchanges can be aspects of the broader work of international relations, they do not represent the core purpose of the Security Council. Economic sanctions may be tools the Council employs, but they are not its primary role. Similarly, organizing international trade is typically handled by other entities such as the World Trade Organization and does not fall under the Security Council’s jurisdiction. The emphasis on maintaining peace and security highlights the Security Council's critical function in fostering global stability and cooperation.