America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The United Nations Security Council plays a central role in maintaining international peace and security, which is one of its primary functions as outlined in the UN Charter. This responsibility includes addressing threats to peace, determining when and where to deploy peacekeeping missions, and imposing sanctions or authorizing military action to restore or maintain order.

The Security Council's focus on issues of international conflict and stability distinguishes it from other organizations or agencies that might manage economic policies, humanitarian efforts, or trade agreements. While the UN as a whole may engage in those areas through various programs and talks, it’s the Security Council that takes the lead in actions directly aimed at combating aggression and resolving conflicts between nations to prevent war. Therefore, the option related to maintaining international security and peace is the most accurate representation of the Security Council's primary function.