Who Admits New Members to the United Nations? (Think Twice Before You Answer)

Abstract

It is widely assumed that admission to membership in the United Nations requires a favorable recommendation by the Security Council via a vote to which the right of veto applies. However, under the UN Charter, read in light of its drafting history, the veto does not apply to a Security Council vote on admissions, and a favorable recommendation from the Security Council is not required for the General Assembly to admit a state to membership.