UN Peacekeeping Research Articles

Strengthening Global Security: Evaluating the Feasibility of a Nuclear-Armed UN Peacekeeping Force

This research paper examines the possibility of enhancing global security by establishing a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force armed with nuclear weapons. Innovative approaches to conflict resolution and deterrence mechanisms are of the utmost importance in an era marked by geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts. This study's primary objective is to evaluate the viability and ramifications of providing UN peacekeepers with nuclear capabilities. To accomplish this objective, a multifaceted research strategy was employed. First, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to comprehend the historical context, current challenges, and potential benefits of a UN peacekeeping force armed with nuclear weapons. To assess the legal and ethical implications of such an initiative, an exhaustive analysis of international legal frameworks, disarmament agreements, and pertinent UN resolutions was conducted. The implications of this research are intricate and nuanced. A UN peacekeeping force armed with nuclear weapons could enhance deterrence and facilitate conflict resolution, but it raises significant concerns regarding proliferation risks, sovereignty, and global power dynamics. The discussion section delves into these findings, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that carefully weighs the pros and cons and the importance of global cooperation in ensuring a secure and peaceful global order. This paper provides policymakers and academics contending with the evolving international security landscape with valuable insights.

Participation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in Enhancing African Police Personnel Peacekeeping Capacity

The peacekeeping became actual agenda of international relations due to increased number of internal conflicts with mass human rights violations in different regions of the world including Africa. The problems of ensuring peace and security have become priority for United Nations (UN) and regional organizations involved in constant search of conflict resolution best practices. Peacekeeping actors admitted the key role of law-enforcement agencies, and first of all the police, in ensuring security in conflict or post-conflict reconstruction. Therefore, the UN actively developing the strategy of police methods usage in peacekeeping operations. Because of this process, the number of member states contributing police contingents to the UN including formed police units increased. Joint activity of police officers from different countries with different education, professional experience and specialization requires high-quality training of candidates for peacekeeping operations. The purpose of this article is to analyze the needs of African police officers in professional development and the capabilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in training of African police officers for the UN peacekeeping operations. The study is based on insights from non-participant observation, interviews and analyses of the UN official documents, policies and training materials. Actual Russian and foreign scientific publications were used. Results confirmed that Russian Federation has many years of experience in African policemen training for the UN peacekeeping operations. The promising areas of Russian Federation participation in the development of the peacekeeping potential of African police, along with the provision of standardized pre-deployment training based on the UN certified programs, can be training in the crime investigation methodology and the training of special police units of the UN member states.

OUIS and MINUSCA in the CAR: The Effectiveness of Realist and Liberal Peacekeeping Paradigms

The conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) has attracted international attention since the early 2000s. The African Union, the United Nations (UN) and the French Republic have all been involved in trying to help resolve the conflict. Since 2018, Russia has been actively involved in resolving the conflict in the Central African Republic. The government and people of the CAR have repeatedly expressed their dissatisfaction with the functioning of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) contingent and, conversely, expressed their appreciation for the Russian military specialists stationed in the CAR. The author attempts to compare the effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping contingent (MINUSCA) and Russian military specialists operating under the auspices of the Officers Union for International Security (OUIS), based on the essential unity of purpose of these forces. Based on an analysis of data on state control in the CAR and violent incidents from 2014 to 2022, the author concludes that the Russian contingent is more effective in providing security and strengthening the state in the CAR (tasks also outlined in the MINUSCA mandate). The author also analyzes the problems in the functioning of the UN peacekeeping contingents, highlighting their systemic and structural shortcomings. The main shortcoming, however, in his view, is the UN’s commitment to a liberal approach that challenges the sovereignty of the host state. The Russian realist approach, by contrast, focuses on sovereignty and its power component. Thus, the actions of the Russians in the CAR can be studied within the paradigm of “illiberal” peacekeeping.

Do UN peace operations help forcibly displaced people?

Do UN missions reduce forced displacement? Facing insecure environments, civilians are left with three choices: staying; moving to a safer community; or moving outside their country. Their aspiration and ability to move depend on individual characteristics and macro-level factors, such as the social, economic and political context in which these people live. Research shows that UN missions can impact and reset the macro-level context altered by war, especially in the security and economic domain. However, we lack empirical evidence on whether this impact helps UN peacekeeping tackle forced displacement and returns. This article offers the first global analysis of whether and how UN missions can shape aggregate population movements during civil wars. We combine data on outflows and returns of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) with data on distinct UN missions’ features that we expect to affect population movements, namely the size of their contingents and their mandated tasks. Using matched samples, we find that the unfolding of the outflows and inflows processes are affected by different features of UN missions. Sizeable deployments decrease IDPs flows and encourage their return; refugee outflows, on the other hand, may increase in presence of UN missions. Furthermore, missions with displacement-related mandates are associated with decreasing IDP flows overall, but only encourage refugees’ returns.

The outlook for UN peacekeeping operations

Several of the United Nations’ blue-helmet forces, particularly in Africa, have struggled to maintain order, and dissatisfied governments have been looking elsewhere for security assistance. And while many peacekeeping missions are winding down, deteriorating security conditions globally suggest that new UN forces may be created in the coming years in response to unexpected bouts of violence or unrest.

Theorizing Decision-Making in International Bureaucracies: UN Peacekeeping Operations and Responses to Norm Violations

Abstract Many international organizations (IOs) provide assistance to governments through country offices or peacekeeping operations. Sometimes, government authorities in countries receiving IO services violate norms that underpin the IO’s engagement. IO officials must then choose between confrontational and conciliatory responses. These responses are located on a spectrum that ranges from a firm and public response to silence and downplaying. How do IO officials decide on their response? Based on over 200 interviews with UN peacekeeping officials, we argue that the factors that shape their decision-making are found across three categories: individual, departmental, and positional. In terms of individual characteristics, previous experience, career security, and the length of service at a particular duty station matter. Regarding departmental factors, politicization of work, professional composition, and the type of interlocutors predispose departments to be supporters or critics of authorities in recipient countries. In terms of positional considerations, the place of a post or department in the IO hierarchy, relations with other IO entities, and the distance from the field play a role. While important in its own right, decision-making by civilian UN peacekeeping officials is informative about similar processes in other complex international bureaucracies that employ individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Tough Lessons for UN Peacekeeping Operations

With the future of UN peacekeeping once again up for debate, it’s worth reflecting on the lessons of the past 30 years. UN operations in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and elsewhere have had to contend with complex local and regional systems of power and governance that have major influences on missions’ prospects for success. In The Political Economy of Civil War and UN Peace Operations, Mats Berdal and Jake Sherman pull together an excellent set of essays that identify the signal lessons of UN peacekeeping in dealing with these systems, and offer a credible set of policy prescriptions. The book makes a compelling case for a better understanding of the political economy of conflict, and less expansive mission mandates that are attuned to the local context.

Protecting Human Rights in UN Peacekeeping: Operationalising Due Diligence and Accountability

Protecting Human Rights in UN Peacekeeping: Operationalising Due Diligence and Accountability

Disrobing peace: A naked exploration of the semiosis of UN peacekeepers’ uniforms

Disrobing peace: A naked exploration of the semiosis of UN peacekeepers’ uniforms

THE UN FACTOR IN THE COMPLEX INTERDEPENDENCE SYSTEM OF REGIONAL SECURITY

This article explores the role of the United Nations (UN) within the complex interdependence system of regional security. In an era marked by global interconnectedness and interdependence, regional security challenges necessitate a multilateral approach. The UN, as a global organization, assumes a critical role in addressing these challenges due to its mandate, resources, and convening power. The article begins by elucidating the concept of complex interdependence, emphasizing the intricate web of relationships and interconnections among states and non-state actors in the realm of regional security. It underscores the significance of comprehending the multifaceted nature of contemporary security concerns and the imperative of collaboration and cooperation among nations. Subsequently, the article investigates the UN's role in the complex interdependence system. It examines the UN's mandate, which encompasses the promotion of peace, security, and stability at both regional and global levels. The institutional framework of the UN, including the Security Council, General Assembly, and specialized agencies, provides platforms for dialogue, negotiation, and coordination among member states. Moreover, the article explores the UN's resources and capabilities in addressing regional security issues. It highlights the UN's peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention and mediation efforts, and humanitarian assistance initiatives as crucial tools for fostering regional security. Additionally, it underscores the UN's normative framework, encompassing international law and human rights, as essential components in the pursuit of regional security. Furthermore, the article analyzes the UN's convening power and its ability to bring together diverse actors to collectively address regional security challenges. It discusses the UN's role as a platform for dialogue, diplomacy, and consensus-building, facilitating regional cooperation and fostering trust among states. Lastly, the article acknowledges the limitations and challenges faced by the UN within the complex interdependence system of regional security. It recognizes the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the UN's effectiveness, responsiveness, and adaptability to evolving security dynamics. In conclusion, this article underscores the indispensable role of the UN within the complex interdependence system of regional security. By leveraging its mandate, resources, and convening power, the UN significantly contributes to the cultivation of peaceful and stable regional environments in an era characterized by interconnectedness and interdependence.

The application of human rights principles by clinical psychologists

Our work is based on a desire to serve and provide services to those in need. And there is a concern for social justice. How we work professionally is guided by our professional standards which incorporate key elements of human rights principles.These principles should underpin all aspects of the work of clinical psychologists and their organisations. While it is easy to articulate them, it is their operationalisation that can be difficult. The article contains some reflections based on my experience when working in the NHS, other health services, the Red Cross and Red Crescent and the UN (Peacekeeping) and IOM (UN Migration).

Critical Assessment of Geostrategic Infiltration in UN Peacekeeping Operations Deployed in Intra-State Armed Conflicts in Africa: The Case of ONUC in DRC in 1960

This study focuses on the deployments of UN peacekeeping operations within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa. The statement of the problem and objective of the study is to demonstrate amidst the significant roles that UN peacekeeping operations deployed within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa have played and are still playing, nonetheless growing geostrategic infiltration from hegemonic states as well as other member states from where troops are drawn from to constitute different operations to mitigate the armed conflicts. This is very important for the successful consolidation of the mandates of different UN peacekeeping operations deployed within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa. The study incorporated both primary and secondary sources of data. The qualitative descriptive analysis and its instruments are the research method that fits the study. The results of the findings were parallel to the problem statement and objective, which proved that geostrategic infiltration aimed at guaranteeing the interests of hegemonic and other member states of the UN that are proved apparent. The study's conclusion and recommendations were proffered to mitigating geostrategic infiltration in UN peacekeeping deployments faced with intra-state armed conflicts in Africa after an in-depth analysis of the case study under review in this study. That is, the United Nations Operations in the Congo deployed in view of the intra-state armed conflict that hit Congo in 1960, where the end of that mission was a debacle. A debacle explained largely by geostrategic infiltration. The Security Council is making every effort to mitigate the numerous challenges that have been and are still impeding the UN peacekeeping operations from successfully consolidating their mandates in different intra-state armed conflicts in Africa where they have been deployed. This study seeks to draw the attention of the international community to a veritable challenge that has become a pertinent stake (geostrategic infiltration), impeding the successful consolidation of the different UN peacekeeping mandates deployed within intra-state armed conflicts in Africa.

Examining the Participation of Female Peacekeepers in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: The Contributions of Islamic Countries

The world of International Relations will never be separated from its history. Countries in the Middle East, especially Muslim-majority countries, still have a lot of conflicts going on. However, the contribution of Islam to the world of peace never stops. In the contemporary world, for example, this contribution is realized through the participation of Islamic countries in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKO). This study aims to analyze the contributions of female peacekeepers of Islamic countries. This research uses the concept of peacekeeping and analyzes secondary data with the quality method and literature review approach as the data collection technique. The result of this research shows that eight of 12 peace missions involved Muslim-majority countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, and Indonesia, which sent the most female peacekeepers. This study found that the Muslim-majority countries have successfully implemented the UN PKO program, especially for the increasing number of female peacekeepers agenda. It also found that the female peacekeeper has a substantive and public function in the operations, such as their contribution to the operation in logistical, informational branches, and medical aid aspects. However, the UN PKO still emphasizes masculinity. This study shows that domestic issues including inadequate military personnel and social stigmatization of women's peacekeeping engagement greatly reduce women's representation in UN peacekeeping operations. This inherently impacts the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

Transferring Policy: The African Union's Protection of Civilians Policy in Peacekeeping Missions in Somalia and South Sudan

The African Union's (AU's) doctrine underlying Peace Support Operations (PSOs) highlights the fact that the AU should take the lead in providing political direction for all AU PSOs. This includes mainstreaming the standards and operating procedures applicable to the Protection of Civilians (PoC). The PoC guidelines mandate the AU to support and complement the efforts of the host state by enhancing its capacity to secure civilians and prevent abuse against them. The guidelines have allowed the AU to develop and grow its institutional capacity and emerge as the continent's leading institution. It provides fragile member states with technical support through African-led and AU-mandated missions (crafting the concept of operations, training and implementation and procedures for peace operations). However, little is known about how the AU transfers its PoC policy to member states during peacekeeping missions. This paper assesses the institutional capacity of the AU and its ability to influence specific national PoC policies and approaches through AU PSO and United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKOs). The paper highlights that although the AU has made progress in PoC policy, it has not been implemented effectively and practically in South Sudan and Somalia, despite being a significant priority for the organisation.

Do UN Missions Have an Expiration Date? Ideational Commitment to UN Peacekeeping and the Length of Missions

ABSTRACT Private interests might occasionally influence the decisions of troop-providers when contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. However, the pursuit of private benefits impacts how the mandates of peacekeeping missions are fulfilled. Drawing upon the conflict-of-interest theory, I argue that the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations is compromised when troop-providers lack ideational commitment to the principles of UN peacekeeping. This article explores the impact of troop-providers’ ideational commitment to UN peacekeeping on the duration of UN missions. To achieve this, a duration analysis is conducted over all completed and ongoing peacekeeping operations from April 1991 to December 2019. The results reveal that conflicting interests within peacekeeping operations lead to an increased time required for concluding UN missions. In essence, by establishing a connection between the raison d’^etre of troop-providers and the duration of missions, this article outlines significant policy implications for the United Nations.

Pakistan: A Responsible Nuclear State

This paper delves into the multifaceted factors contributing to the concerns expressed by various global stakeholders concerning the security of nuclear materials, facilities, and installations within Pakistan. The study comprehensively explores the tangible, perceived, and propagandistic elements that have collectively contributed to the prevailing global skepticism surrounding Pakistan's nuclear program. Furthermore, this research elucidates the domestic and international measures that Pakistan has undertaken to ensure the secure development, testing, deployment, utilization, and presence of nuclear weapons, employing both human expertise and technological resources. Additionally, the paper briefly highlights Pakistan's contributions to global peace, exemplified by its integral role in the global campaign against terrorism and active participation in United Nations Peacekeeping missions. Moreover, the paper provides insight into Pakistan’s adherence to international guidelines, notably those set forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and overarching international protocols concerning arms control and disarmament. By examining these facets, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of Pakistan’s nuclear program and its efforts to align with international norms, thereby fostering a more nuanced comprehension of the nation's stance within the global nuclear landscape.

The Effectiveness of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Building the Capacity of Local Police Forces: Case of Kosovo

Kosovo has historically been the scene of ethnic-driven regional conflicts among the communities. After the disengagement of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) in 1992, the conflicts that had begun with the independence declarations of the Republics of SFRY eventually evolved into ethnic disputes between Serbs and Albanians. As the United Nations (UN) failed to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) initiated an air campaign to stop armed attacks by Serbian Military Forces on the Albanian civil communities. The UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established in 1999 to restore peace and stability in Kosovo. One of the mandated tasks of the UNMIK was to establish the local police known as Kosovo Police Service (KPS) and to build its capacity. The objectives of this research are to determine whether the UNMIK was effective and successful in building the KPS’s capacity. A set of new success criteria is developed and applied to evaluate the success of UNMIK in this mandated task. Data for this study were collected using official reports of the UN and the crime statistics of the KPS. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that UNMIK was successful in establishing a local police force.

The new role of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) under proactive contribution to peace strategy

As per the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no nation can maintain security and peace on its own. Therefore, Tokyo, through the Japanese Ministry of Defense, contributes to the United Nations' efforts to maintain and restore international peace and security. Article 9 of the pacifist constitution, in force since 1947, binds Japan's defense policy. But global dangers, especially the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Chinese threats to Taiwan, and the madness of the North Korean dictator, forced Japan to develop the proficiency of the Self-Defense Forces under the title of “proactive contribution to peace.” In this study, we will review the development of this concept through the process of building Japanese military capabilities. This will enable us to respond to societal changes from the Korean War to the present. As part of Japan's efforts to contribute to international peace and security operations have developed its military capabilities. This includes the enactment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Law, the establishment of the National Security Strategy, and the purchase of advanced weapons and equipment. The Nation’s commitment to international peace and security is also evident in its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and other regional activities.

Generation three and a half peacekeeping: Understanding the evolutionary character of African-led Peace Support Operations

ABSTRACT African-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs) were established to support the African peace and security architecture by developing integrated capacities for deployment in crises. However, since the deployment of the first African-led PSOs, there has also been the emergence of new types of African-led PSOs, such as the African Union Mission in Somalia; the Lake Chad Basin Commission Multinational Joint Task Force; the Joint Force for the Group of Five for the Sahel; the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique; and the East African Community Force in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The paper examines why African-led PSOs have emerged, arguing that these operations have allowed for increased African agency and shaped the African peace and security space. The paper finds that African-led PSO reflects a more regional and local-specific response in a declining era of new United Nations peacekeeping operations but has also resulted in an overreliance on force to solve the continent’s peace and security issues. Consequently, the paper arrives at a novel conceptualisation of African-led PSOs, positing that they represent generation three and a half of peacekeeping which focus on the effectiveness of force and the morality of using force to deal with insecurity and multifaceted crisis.

UN Peacekeeping at 75: Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects

ABSTRACT This year marks the 75th anniversary of what the UN itself understands to be its first peacekeeping operation. It is therefore an appropriate time to reflect on the track record of UN peacekeeping in its efforts to try to maintain and realize peace and security. Moreover, this milestone invites us to ponder what lies ahead in the realm of peacekeeping. For this reason, this forum article brings together both academics and UN officials to assess the achievements and challenges of UN peacekeeping over the past 75 years. Through a dialogue among peacekeeping scholars and practitioners, we hope to identify current trends and developments in UN peacekeeping, as well as explore priorities for the future to improve the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations in terms of achieving their mandate objectives, such as maintaining peace, protecting civilians, promoting human rights, and facilitating reconciliation. This forum article is structured into six thematic sections, each shedding light on various aspects of UN peacekeeping: (1) foundational principles of UN peacekeeping - namely, consent, impartiality, and the (non-)use of force; (2) protection of civilians; (3) the primacy of politics; (4) early warning; (5) cooperation with regional organizations; and (6) the changing geopolitical landscape in which UN peacekeeping operates.