Along with the founding of the United Nations, the UN Security Council was established in 1945. The Security Council is the organization’s most powerful body responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It can issue sanctions and even authorize military force. The five permanent members are the People’s Republic of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States (known as the P5). In addition to their permanent status, each P5 nation has the power to veto any resolution with which it disagrees. Ten other UN members, each elected for a rotating two-year term and without veto power, round out the Security Council.