Peacekeeping Research Articles

Contextualising Australia’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Operations: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1947 to Present

Purpose: This scholarly article rigorously analyses Australia’s engagement in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations from 1947 to the present, focusing on the nation's substantial contributions, significant policy transitions, and the broader implications for international relations and global governance frameworks. Materials and Methods: Utilizing a qualitative methodological approach, this study systematically reviews over sixty peacekeeping missions involving Australia, drawing upon a diverse array of primary and secondary sources, including governmental reports, academic journals, and UN documentation. The timeframe spans critical historical moments, beginning with Australia’s initial involvement in international peacekeeping initiatives in the late 1940s and evolving through distinct geopolitical eras, including the Cold War, post-Cold War period, and contemporary conflicts (Baldwin et al., 2022; McDonald, 2023). The analysis is grounded in a constructivist framework intertwined with realism, allowing for a nuanced understanding of how Australia’s peacekeeping roles reflect and reinforce the interplay of national interests and international obligations. This theoretical lens facilitates an exploration of the changing nature of global conflicts, operational mandates, and evolving international norms (Kirton, 2023). Findings: The research reveals that Australia’s peacekeeping contributions have evolved significantly, marked by key policy shifts from unilateralism to multilateralism within the UN paradigm. The country’s notable involvements in critical missions, such as those in East Timor and the Solomon Islands, exemplify its commitment to regional stability while also reflecting strategic partnerships with key allies (Cousens & Kumar, 2022). Furthermore, these contributions highlight Australia’s capacity to respond to complex emergencies and humanitarian crises effectively, reinforcing its role as a key player in regional peace and security. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This examination elucidates the implications of Australia’s peacekeeping operations for its foreign policy trajectory and international standing. As the nation grapples with contemporary security challenges - including humanitarian crises, intrastate conflict, and post-colonial nation-building - the analysis reveals that Australia’s peacekeeping engagements align with broader international relations trends. Notably, there is an increasing emphasis on multilateralism, the principle of state sovereignty, and collaborative security efforts among nations (Hawkins, 2023).

Post-Cold War Era UN Collaboration with Non-UN Military for Conflict Management in Africa

Abstract This research explores the factors associated with the success or failure of European Union (EU) military bridging operations supporting United Nations (UN) peacekeeping in Africa. This study defines the success of eufor bridging operations as those in which a subsequent UN mission was able to continue operations after assuming responsibilities from eufor. This raises two factors associated with success and failure: integration and adaptation. Two hypotheses are formulated regarding the respective parameters for achieving bridging operations goals that lead to their success. To examine the hypotheses, this study conducts a comparative analysis with two EU bridging operations, one in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a success case and the other in Chad and the Central African Republic as a failure. This study aims to produce new knowledge in the field of peacekeeping operations, practical policies, and general considerations on the ground. It also seeks to further understanding of bridging operations and develop better opportunities for designing future operations.

Radio Okapi online newspapers: Between media framing, conflict and peacebuilding

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs) have incorporated a Public Information (PI) component to communicate with the public. This component has shifted from public outreach towards media reports on current events, including violent incidents. Few studies have assessed the contribution of the PI components of UN-led media. This article assesses the framing of Radio Okapi (RO) online newspaper articles to understand RO’s contribution to peacebuilding processes in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an ethnically highly polarized region where many sites are difficult to access. By analysing how RO reports on violent incidents in this region, the study identifies some shortfalls in RO’s PI role. Its framing of reporting can obscure the causes of conflict, for example, by equating ethnic communities with their armed actors and giving secondary importance to the direct victims of armed violence. Moreover, much RO reporting relies on uncorroborated and questionable sources of information, mostly provided by security services. Its framing is unlikely to contribute to sustainable peacebuilding processes and thus does not meet the PI aspirations of UNPKOs. This article suggests that journalists should be empowered with background skills and knowledge relevant to peace journalism, framing news reports in ways that help tackle the root causes and drivers of violent conflict.

A Study of Nigerian Army’s Involvement in African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, 2004–2007

Abstract This study investigated the role of the Nigerian Army in the African Union-initiated peace mission in Darfur between 2004 and 2007, in a conflict between the Government of Sudan and two rebel groups in Darfur. This qualitative research which was anchored on Relative Deprivation, Frustration and Aggression, and Role theories, adopted a historical research design. Instruments for, and methods of data collection were primarily direct interviews conducted with Nigerian soldiers. Sample was drawn from officers and men of the Nigerian Army who had participated in the peace mission. The paper finds that even though the mission was beset with numerous challenges, the activities of Nigerian soldiers helped ameliorate the dire situation and restored hope to the embattled people of Darfur. The paper concludes that the nexus between leadership failure in the African Union and inadequate support from the international community accounted for the challenges that befell the mission.

The Role of Religion in Nation’s Peace Building Process

Religion plays a crucial role in the peace building process of a nation. It is often seen as a source of moral guidance, providing individuals with a sense of purpose and direction. In addition, religion can serve as a unifying force, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together for a common cause. Furthermore, religious leaders and institutions have the ability to influence political and social structures, making them valuable actors in the peace building process. They can use their platform to promote peace and reconciliation, and to address underlying causes of conflict. Moreover, religion can offer a sense of hope and comfort to those affected by conflict, providing them with the resilience and strength to move forward. It can also serve as a tool for healing and forgiveness, as many religious teachings prioritize forgiveness and reconciliation. However, religion can also be a source of division and conflict in some cases. Different interpretations and practices among different religious groups can lead to tensions and further exacerbate existing conflicts. In conclusion, the role of religion in the peace building process is complex and multifaceted. It has the potential to both promote and hinder peace, depending on how it is utilized. A thorough understanding of the religious landscape and careful consideration of its impact is necessary for effective peace building efforts in any nation.

The Evolution of Mediation in International Conflicts from 1940s to 2020s

The article analyzes the evolution of international mediation from the middle of the 20th century to the present day. How do changes in international environment influence mediation and research on it? The paper’s hypothesis is that the transformation of international order and political organization of the world, the dynamics of (de)globalization and changes in the nature of international conflict determine the specifics of international mediation and shape the relevant research. Over the last 80 years international mediation evolved through three stages. During the first stage, shaped by the cold war, conflicts were mostly of interstate nature and were settled by states and international organizations. Meanwhile, the growing activity of non-state actors led to the emergence of mediation via “track II diplomacy”. At this stage, the study of international mediation becomes an established research area. The second stage, since the end of 1980s to the beginning of the 21st century, witnessed a rapid progress in the settlement of many protracted regional conflicts, aided by the mediation efforts of the USSR and the United States. In Russia, research on international mediation, previously fragmentary and legalistic, developed into a separate subfield of international studies. During the third stage, in the 21st century, the political organization of the world has been undergoing a turbulent transformation at all the three levels: Westphalian system, the system of interstate relations, and political systems of individual states. The all-encompassing nature of this change increases conflict potential and changes the nature of international conflicts, which become multidimensional and involve a variety of actors. Responding to the demand for managing complex conflicts, new trends in mediation emerge, such as the growth in mediation attempts by developing nations, engagement of peacekeeping missions in mediation, the use of digital technologies for mediation purposes. At the same time, the erosion of the old political organization of the world triggers the rise in identity-based conflicts that involve disagreement over values. As parties to such conflicts are less likely to seek interestbased compromises, the likelihood of successful mediation decreases.

Unsuccessful Peace-making: the Mission of Francesco da Collo and Antonio de Conti to Moscow (1518-1519)

This article explores the peace mission of Francesco da Collo and Antonio de Conti, envoys of Emperor Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire, to Grand Prince Vasily III of Moscow in 1518–1519. The mission aimed to mediate between Moscow and the PolishLithuanian Commonwealth, seeking to align both states for a planned united Christian campaign against the Ottoman Empire, whose expansion in Southeastern Europe posed a serious threat. The study centers on da Collo’s report from the mission, which not only chronicles the negotiations but also provides rare insights into Russian diplomacy and courtly traditions of the early 16th century. The article underscores the critical role of ceremonial practices, such as receptions, banquets, and hunts, in the diplomatic culture of the period.Particular focus is given to da Collo's accounts of his interactions with Vasily III and his entourage, highlighting the crucial importance of personal meetings and informal contacts in the diplomatic process of the time. Despite the envoys' efforts, the mission achieved only a temporary one-year truce, with insurmountable barriers to a comprehensive peace including territorial disputes—especially over the control of Smolensk—and the issue of repatriating Russian prisoners of war from Poland.Furthermore, da Collo’s report serves as an early illustration of how Muscovy was constructed as an eastern, despotic power, offering one of the first examples of Russia being depicted as the “Other” in early modern European thought. The study sheds light on the complex dynamics of diplomacy in this era and reveals how these interactions contributed to the broader European perception of Russia as an alien and adversarial state.

Coups, Regional Security Complexes and the Impact of Nigeria’s Peacekeeping in West Africa, 1960–2022

Over the years, Africa has continued to experience conflicts caused by civil wars and the tussle for power through military coups. Despite having the Mediation & Security Council within ECOWAS, it has been unable to create sustainable peace within the region. The many porous borders between the countries further exacerbate the complexities of its regional security. The consequences of these problems usually affect neighbouring countries, thereby resulting in regional security complexes and the consequent challenges of peacekeeping operations. This paper uses historical, descriptive and comparative analysis by focusing on coups as precursors to security challenges in the region of West Africa and the resulting peacekeeping operations by countries such as Nigeria. Based on the premise of ECOWAS, it introduces some conflicts caused by coups; the challenges of Regional Security Complex in West Africa and the examination of Nigerian Peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, it offers some recommendations towards sustainable regional peace. Results show that there is a need for the African Union (AU) to do more to secure the continent. Reliance on non-African countries to support its internal security problems has become counterproductive. It recommends that Nigeria should temporarily suspend its peacekeeping operations and channel its resources towards addressing its internal security challenges; that the AU must establish a standing army as a quick response force to address the various continental crises before they become exponential threats and that ECOWAS should implement its common currency plan. Finally, the African Union must develop best practices that can alleviate poverty and guarantee security in line with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The future of UN peace operations: pragmatism, pluralism or statism?

Abstract Although United Nations peace missions have played an important conflict management role for decades, a backlash against the post-Cold War model of ‘liberal peacebuilding’ and other recent developments have called their future into doubt. Some observers contend that a ‘pragmatic turn’ is now underway—a shift away from ambitious plans to transform war-torn societies into liberal democracies and towards more modest and realistic goals. Whether ‘pragmatism’ offers a viable alternative framework for peacebuilding, however, is less clear. This article challenges key assumptions of the pragmatic approach to peacebuilding, including the notion that UN missions can be ‘agnostic’ about the governance arrangements of societies that host these operations, as some proponents of pragmatism recommend. Historical case-studies show that such assumptions are integral features of collective conflict management systems, including UN peace missions. Moreover, a close examination of the pragmatist approach reveals that it, too, is based on such assumptions—namely, that building peace requires the promotion of pluralist societies and states. Pluralist peacebuilding, the article concludes, could offer a compelling foundation for future UN missions in an era of rising statist–authoritarianism, but developing this approach will first require discarding pragmatism's pretence of ideological agnosticism.

The Power of Convergence: Platform Ops as the Unifying Force for DevOps, DataOps, and MLOps

The Power of Convergence: Platform Ops as the Unifying Force for DevOps, DataOps, and MLOps

Cultural adaptation and integration of Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon

This research aims to explore the cultural adaptation and integration of Indonesian peacekeeping personnel in Lebanon in the framework of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission. This study uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and participatory observation as the main method of data collection. The results show that despite the challenges in cultural adaptation, Indonesian peacekeepers are able to adapt through effective cultural adaptation strategies. In addition, interpersonal relationships with local communities as well as cooperation with multinational forces play an important role in their integration process. This research provides in-depth insights into the dynamics of cultural adaptation in the context of international peacekeeping operations and provides recommendations to improve the effectiveness of future peacekeeping missions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS AND SUCCESSFUL MISSION OF UN PEACEKEEPERS: A CASE STUDY OF ACEHNESE POLICEWOMEN

UN peacekeeping operations rely on international cooperation to constitute competitive female peacekeepers. Meanwhile, Indonesia is an active contributor to global peace, yet its women peacekeepers dealt with linguistic challenges to participate in peacekeeping missions in French-speaking countries. This article investigates the exhaustive intellectual and physical performances of a policewoman from Banda Aceh to take part in the MINUSCA ( United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) 2020-2021. This paper aims to illustrate the theory of feminism by using a descriptive qualitative analysis. In UN peacekeeping missions, having female peacekeepers is crucial for ensuring gender-balanced representation. This study describes how the determinism of the female gender through personal commitment, self-engagement, and motivation is as valuable as the male gender. The data are collected via recorded Zoom meetings. The findings revealed the components of French language proficiency for MINUSCA, learning activities, the Indonesian policewoman’s experiences in learning French, and French language teaching andlearning issues that needed to be addressed in Banda Aceh. In addition, this article underlines factual issues on the absence of an official French language academy in Banda Aceh. Addressing those issues will contribute to maximizing Indonesian human resources for global peace.

Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Africa

The complex opportunities and challenges of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda articulated in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 of 2000, and other successive resolutions, subject themselves to the proverbial interpretation of either a cup half-empty or a cup half-full. The WPS is a progressive agenda for gender programmes in Africa. The downside is that the WPS agenda appears not known beyond policy and activist circles in the continent. This study sought to interrogate the progress made by the WPS agenda in Africa since the UNSCR 1325 was adopted using secondary research and content analysis (CA) of current literature. It was revealed that despite some challenges faced the gender perspective is not deficient in peacekeeping operations (PKOs) except in peace agreements, but that gender 1325 commitments are mirrored in the mandates of PKOs. The African Union-United Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), showed the least WPS agenda consideration but the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) significantly reflected this. For the rest of Africa, it remains unclear if the agenda is stagnating or going forward. There is a host of structural challenges rooted in masculinity issues and patriarchal mind-sets among others.

What Could the United Nations General Assembly Do When the United Nations Security Council Is Deadlocked

At a time when the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is so deadlocked that it has difficulty performing its responsibilities in international peacekeeping, conventional opinions tend to focus on reforming the UNSC to find solutions. However, when faced with these issues, the role of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) cannot be ignored. As the main organ of the United Nations, the UNGA has a wider representation with 193 member states compared to the 15 members of the UNSC, which means that the UNGA can reflect the different opinions and interests of different countries. In addition, the UNGA can provide the necessary funding for peacekeeping missions, ensure their effectiveness, and exert political pressure on Member States to resolve conflicts and facilitate peace negotiations through the recommendations it approved. These characteristics indicate that UNGA has the full potential and qualifications to play an active role in international peacekeeping operations. This work is dedicated to arguing that when the UNSC is unable to perform its duties, the UNGA has the legitimacy and rationality to assume the secondary role of maintaining peace through the application of the Uniting for Peace Resolution and the establishment of subsidiary bodies and making feasible recommendations based on these perspectives.

The locus of Buddhist pedagogy and decolonising the ‘Thai university’

ABSTRACT The conjoint processes of nation-building and the construction of a homogenous national culture in Thailand have often leveraged Buddhism as a unifying force and cultural heritage of the Thai people. Owing to this, Buddhist pedagogy has been integrated into the Thai national curriculum, and accordingly, the modern Thai education system is steeped in Buddhist values. This is at odds with the modern-secular registers of pedagogy modelled after the Enlightenment project. Departing from here, this paper seeks to understand: how is the Buddhist religious order integrated into the “modern” Thai higher educational system? How, and how far, does it coexist with(in) the so-called modern universities, and what are its implications? Conversely, how do the “modern” curricula sit with Buddhism, both as an epistemology and a religious faith? Further, how does this then bear upon the line between the traditional-religious and the secular-modern as imagined from within the framework of the modern-secular episteme?.

What it Takes to Return: UN Peacekeeping and the Safe Return of Displaced People

We investigate the impact of UN peacekeeping on voluntary returns and negative attitudes towards displaced persons. We posit that peacekeeping missions can have beneficial effects by improving security and alleviating the socio-economic burden imposed by new arrivals on receiving communities. Focusing on the critical case of South Sudan, we combine information on peacekeepers' subnational deployment with high frequency survey data. Our findings suggest that the presence of peacekeepers is more likely to attract individuals seeking to return home, compared to those relocating for other reasons. In addition, peacekeepers positively influence the perceptions of receiving communities regarding the impact of IDPs and refugees on economic opportunities, security conditions, and social cohesion.

Striving for Peace: Addressing Human Rights Challenges in UN Peacekeeping Operations

United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations have been pivotal in global efforts to stabilize conflict zones and mitigate violence for over seven decades. Utilizing soldiers, police personnel, and civilian peacekeepers from diverse backgrounds, these missions aim to implement multidimensional mandates while upholding international legitimacy. Beyond traditional roles of maintaining peace and stability, modern peacekeeping endeavours encompass a spectrum of responsibilities, including civilian protection, demobilization, and human rights enforcement, thereby fostering the transition from conflict to peace. However, amidst these noble goals, the UN has faced persistent criticism regarding human rights violations and sexual abuse by peacekeepers. This paper delves into the UN’s efforts to address legal and policy concerns, ensuring human rights protection and restoring the integrity of peacekeeping. It examines normative frameworks guiding peacekeeping missions and the evolving role of human rights therein. Despite advancements, challenges persist, including ambiguous mandates, political discord, and accountability deficits. Ambiguities in\ conceptual frameworks further complicate operationalization, necessitating clarity and coherence in mandates and implementation.Recommendations for improvement include prioritizing civilian protection and human rights, fostering political consensus, and addressing discrepancies in resource allocation. Additionally, measures to ensure accountability, including penalties for troop-contributing countries and re-evaluation of peacekeepers’ immunity, are vital. In conclusion, while UN peacekeeping remains indispensable in global peace efforts, addressing human rights violations and enhancing accountability are imperative to uphold its integrity and effectiveness.

Fostering the All-Russian Civic Identity among Students While Teaching the History of the North Caucasus

This article focuses on the problems associated with shaping the civic identity among students in Russia as they study the history of the North Caucasian peoples. One of the powerful tools to overcome them is to develop a sense of historical consciousness in the younger generation of Russians. However, while the collective memory of the past can serve as a unifying force through shared national values, it can also ignite historical grievances, claims, and conflicts in the present. Here, the debates revolving around the conflicting interpretations of the events that took place in the North Caucasus during the 19th and early 20th centuries (the Caucasian War, the tactics and warfare methods of the Russian military commanders and mountain leaders, the Muhajir movement, and the actions of the imperial power structures) are considered. The questions are raised about how to effectively convey the history of the North Caucasus to the youth, as well as what approaches should be employed to explain the complex, contradictory, and sometimes tragic events of the region’s past so that it would contribute to the development of an all-Russian civic identity instead of fueling confrontations and divisions. Several approaches (recommendations) for teaching the history of the North Caucasus are outlined. They highlight the integrative tendencies in the history of the region, emphasizing the factors that unite its diverse peoples, cultures, and worldviews and define their common pathways for historical development.

Contribution of Islamic Figures in the Formulation of Pancasila

This research aims to analyze the contribution of Islamic figures in the formulation of Pancasila. This research is qualitative research using the library research model, historical approach, political approach, and figure study. The political approach referred to in this research is a paradigm review that adopts the thoughts of figures, namely the main figures in the research (KH. Agus Salim and KH Wahid Hasyim) and other nationalist groups, both religious and secular. Primary sources in this research refer to writings written by the figure who is the subject of the research, namely the writings of KH. Agus Salim and KH. Wahid Hasyim. The method used in this research is to collect information and review books, literature, notes, and various reports related to the problem at hand. The data analysis techniques used in this research consist of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of this research reveal that Pancasila is the foundational philosophy of the Republic of Indonesia, consisting of five principles that guide the nation. While Pancasila itself is not directly derived from Islamic teachings, some Islamic figures have played roles in the formulation and development of the philosophy, especially during Indonesia's struggle for independence. It's important to note that Pancasila aims to be inclusive and is not specific to any particular religious or ideological group. While Pancasila incorporates universal values, including social justice, democracy, and national unity, it has roots in Indonesia's cultural and religious diversity. The influence of Islamic figures during the formulation of Pancasila reflects the collaborative effort to create a philosophy that could serve as a unifying force for the newly independent nation. In conclusion, the contribution of Islamic figures in the formulation of Pancasila is a testament to the inclusive and collaborative spirit that prevailed during Indonesia's struggle for independence. The resulting philosophy seeks to accommodate the nation's religious and cultural diversity while promoting values of justice, unity, and social welfare. The efforts of these Islamic figures have helped shape Indonesia as a nation that values pluralism and tolerance.

UN Peacekeeping Forces and Peace Negotiations in Africa

Abstract The aim of this article is to identify the factors underlying the success of peace negotiations in Africa, with particular emphasis on the role of UN peacekeepers. We analyze African Peace Processes (APP) data over the period 1989–2019 using the binary logistic model. Our results show that the deployment of UN peacekeepers is associated with the success of mediation efforts, both in intra-state and non-state conflicts. On the other hand, the presence of peacekeepers is detrimental to the success of bilateral negotiations. These results thus highlight that the ambiguity surrounding the effectiveness of UN forces in the peaceful management of conflicts depends on the presence or absence of a mediator. Consequently, political decision-makers should combine the deployment of peacekeeping forces with mediation initiatives to achieve peaceful conflict management. On the other hand, this should not be envisaged within the framework of bilateral negotiations, at the risk of producing opposite effects.