system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: What's the point of the UN if the US can conduct strikes without the UN's support

I understand the UN does a lot more than just decide if military action is required, but why does the US ask the UN first?  Also, does going against the UN have any negative impact on the US?  Thanks!
gpt
Think of the UN like a marriage counsellor, except instead of 2 married people trying to make their relationship work, it's a whole bunch of nations. In theory, everyone wants the relationship to work, but everyone has different needs and wants. The counsellor (UN) can suggest that the married couple (the sovereign nations) try different things to make their relationship run smoother, but can't force anyone to do anything. It also gives the married couple (nations) the ability to freely discuss their issues with one another, like their children (smaller allied nations), money (economic policies), and mistrust due to infidelity (sanctions, embargoes, etc.).