Incorporating unarmed civilian peacekeeping into Canadian foreign policy: what do Canadians think?

Abstract

Although opinion polls have consistently demonstrated Canadian support of their country's peacekeeping missions, recent surveys have demonstrated decreasing public support for Canada's involvement in military combat interventions in other parts of the world. However, awareness and understanding of nonviolent alternatives to military intervention and conventional peacekeeping appear to be lacking. This survey examines Canadian public's awareness and understanding of unarmed civilian peacekeeping as an alternative to sending armed troops, and whether the public would support Canada in utilizing unarmed civilian peacekeepers (focusing on reducing direct violence through protective accompaniment, building capacity of local civil society organizations, mediation and other nonviolent communication strategies) as part of its response to violent global conflicts. The results reveal that Canadians believe unarmed civilian peacekeeping would be more effective in tasks such as reducing human rights abuses, preventing further armed conflict and promoting lasting peace. Respondents also believe the practice would benefit Canada's reputation as a peacemaker and leader. This paper concludes with recommendations for proponents of the incorporation of unarmed civilian peacekeeping into the official policy of the Canadian government.