Peacekeeping mission is a multidimensional military and police force that helps countries navigate the path from conflict to peace. Their goals include preserving cease-fires, protecting civilians and containing violence. They also promote the rule of law, monitor elections and support civil society. Peacekeeping forces can play a role in building trust between former combatants and reintegrating fighters into post-conflict societies.
Research shows that a well-managed UN peacekeeping operation can reduce civilian and battlefield deaths, and reduce the risk of relapse into warfare. But peacekeeping missions are not without challenges. For example, some critics have argued that large deployments with limited mandates do not deliver results. They point out that peacekeeping forces with a greater scope of tasks (for example, supporting civil society and addressing underlying conflicts) are more effective in reducing conflict than smaller deployments.
Moreover, the political environment in which peacekeeping missions operate has become increasingly frugal. The rise of geopolitical tensions and big power rivalry has exacerbated divisions within the Security Council, making it more difficult to agree on larger and riskier political missions. This has contributed to a growing perception that UN missions are not working and has led to a preference for smaller, cheaper and less-risky political missions – the lowest common denominator on which all members can agree.
But while peacekeeping operations have many strengths, they need the full support of the world to be effective. The current global climate of fear and mistrust makes peacekeeping more important than ever.
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