Peace Operations - Are We Getting Warm Yet?

Abstract

Abstract : Much has changed in this world in just the last decade. The world has transitioned from two competing superpowers into a new environment of increasing instability among some third world countries. As a result, the United Nations (UN) has emerged as a legitimate mediator of world crises. Since the United States is the only country with the resources necessary to project power throughout the world, the United Nations and regional organizations look to us in supporting legitimate multi-national endeavors. Examples of demands on the United Nations include assisting smaller nations in protecting their borders; preventing ethnic, tribal, and religious violence; protecting civil rights; enforcing international law; and providing humanitarian assistance. The UN role has occasionally included supporting the re-establishment of stable governmental infrastructures. Increased U.S. participation in these UN sponsored operations has burdened our own economy during a time of constrained resources and directed military downsizing. A viable option to resolve some of these conflicts would be for regional organizations to step forward and lead the efforts for stabilization. Regional organizations have a vested interest and understand the culture of the given situation far better than any outside player. Yet, some of these regional organizations are 'emerging' themselves and cannot bear the burden of such massive undertakings alone. Therefore, we should prepare ourselves and our military for increased commitments and demands in the arena of peacekeeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian intervention. In the words of President Clinton 'We must exercise global leadership. We are not the world's policeman, but as the world's premier economic and military power, and with the strength of our democratic values, U.S. engagement is indispensable to the forging of stable political relation