IB Global Politics Peacekeeping Notes

Understanding Peacekeeping

The Evolution of Peacekeeping

1. Traditional Peacekeeping (1940s–1980s)
   1. Focused on monitoring ceasefires and buffering between warring parties.
   2. Operated under the principles of consent, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense.
2. Multidimensional Peacekeeping (1990s–Present)
   1. Expanded to include peacebuilding, democratization, and humanitarian assistance.
3. Examples include missions in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and Mali (MINUSMA, 2013-2023).
4. Robust Peacekeeping
   1. Allows for the use of force to protect civilians and ensure mission mandates.
   2. Seen in operations like the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

Key Principles of Peacekeeping

1. Consent of the Parties
   1. Peacekeeping operations require the consent of the host country and conflicting parties.
   2. This ensures legitimacy and cooperation but can limit effectiveness if consent is withdrawn.
2. Impartiality
   1. Peacekeepers must remain neutral, treating all parties fairly.
   2. This does not mean inaction, peacekeepers can intervene to protect civilians or enforce mandates.
3. Non-Use of Force (Except in Self-Defense)
   1. Force is used only to protect peacekeepers, civilians, or the mission mandate.
   2. Robust peacekeeping allows for more proactive use of force in volatile environments.

Types of Peacekeeping Operations

1. Traditional Peacekeeping
   1. Focuses on monitoring ceasefires and separating warring parties.
   2. Example: UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
2. Multidimensional Peacekeeping
   1. Involves peacebuilding, elections, and institution-building.
   2. Example: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
3. Robust Peacekeeping
   1. Allows for the use of force to protect civilians and enforce mandates.
   2. Example: MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Challenges and Criticisms of Peacekeeping

1. Lack of Resources
   1. Many missions suffer from insufficient funding, equipment, and personnel.
2. Complex Mandates
   1. Multidimensional missions often have broad and ambitious mandates that are difficult to achieve.
3. Political Constraints
   1. Peacekeeping operations are often limited by the political will of member states and the UN Security Council.
4. Impartiality vs. Inaction
   1. Maintaining impartiality can lead to inaction in the face of atrocities or violations.

The Future of Peacekeeping

1. Adapting to New Threats
   1. Peacekeeping must evolve to address asymmetric warfare, terrorism, and cyber threats.
2. Strengthening Partnerships
   1. Collaboration with regional organizations like the African Union and European Union is essential for effective operations.
3. Enhancing Accountability
   1. Addressing issues of misconduct and improving transparency are critical for maintaining credibility.

Case study

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

• Background
  • Established in 2011 to support the newly independent state of South Sudan.
  • Mandate includes protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting peace processes.
  • One of the largest UN peacekeeping operations, with over 15,000 military personnel deployed.
• Challenges
  • Civil conflict erupted in 2013 between forces loyal to President Kiir and Vice President Machar.
  • Ethnic violence between Dinka and Nuer communities complicated peacekeeping efforts.
  • Limited resources and logistical difficulties in a vast, remote region.
  • Over 400,000 people killed and 4 million displaced.
• Successes and Criticisms
  • Successes: Protected over 200,000 civilians in UN PoC sites during the worst of the violence.
  • Supported the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS).
  • Criticisms: Unable to prevent widespread violence outside protected areas, particularly during the July 2016 Juba crisis.
  • Strained relations with the South Sudanese government, which has restricted UNMISS movement and access.
• IB Connections
  • Illustrates the tension between state sovereignty and international intervention.
  • Demonstrates the limits of liberal institutionalism when host states resist cooperation.
  • Raises questions about the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine in practice.