What was the major reason for selecting five specific countries as the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → They were victors and were powerful immediately after the Second World War.
Option (1) They were socially and ideologically powerful — Incorrect. The five did not share one ideology; the US and the Soviet Union were the two rival camps of the Cold War.
Option (2) They were signatories to the League of Nations. — Incorrect. The UN was founded as a successor to the League of Nations, which had failed to prevent a second world war; membership of the old League was not the test.
Option (3) They were victors and were powerful immediately after the Second World War. — Correct. The five were selected because they were the most powerful immediately after the Second World War and because they constituted the victors in the War.
Option (4) They had largest share in global trade. — Incorrect. Trade was not the basis; economic strength is only one of the criteria proposed much later for new members.
NCERT (2025-26): “Evolution of the UN … In the UN General Assembly, all members have one vote each. In the UN Security Council, there are five permanent members. These are: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China. These states were selected as permanent members as they were the most powerful immediately after the Second World War and because they constituted the victors in the War.…” |