Collective Security in Practice: Korea to Iraq

The Charter distinguishes between two main tracks for handling disputes. Chapter VI, "Pacific Settlement of Disputes" (Articles 33 to 38), covers non-binding recommendations for resolving conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or referral to the International Court of Justice. Chapter VII, "Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression" (Articles 39 to 51), authorizes binding measures once the Security Council determines a threat exists, ranging from non-forcible measures under Article 41, such as sanctions, to the authorization of armed force under Article 42, while Article 51 preserves every state's inherent right of individual or collective self-defense.