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The United Nations Security Council is composed of 15 members, which includes both permanent and non-permanent members. The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which hold significant power, including the right to veto any substantive resolution. The remaining ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly, representing different regions of the world. This composition is designed to ensure both continuity and representation from various global regions, allowing for a diverse approach to international peace and security issues.
Understanding this structure clarifies the role of the Security Council within the United Nations framework, which is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security. The specific number of members and the distinction between permanent and non-permanent members are essential for grasping how decisions are made and the dynamics of power within the Security Council.