This book seeks to move away from the discussions of whether the Security Council -in its current composition and working methods-is representative, capable, or productive - as such issues are already extensively debated in other forums. Rather the book seeks to assess whether the specific legislative activity by the Security Council as such, in principle, can be beneficial to international peace and security. If instead of waiting for 'threats to the peace' to emerge from country-specific situations (where permanent members can also be biased and use veto) the Security Council is addressing generic international threats-such as terrorism, weapons proliferation, targeting of civilians, recruitment of child soldiers, piracy etc.-can this be instrumental in adding a preventive and standard-setting framework to the Security Council's more traditional roles for the maintenance of international peace and security?
