Course Code:- IRRE-2106
Course Name:-Introduction to International
Security
Course Instructor:- Ms. Misbah Wahid
Program:- BS-IRRE-4 ( Spring 2024)
Lecture:- 21,22
Topic:-
Peace Operations:
Peacekeeping and Peace
building
TERMINOLOGY
Peacekeeping is one
among a range of
activities undertaken
by the United
Nations to maintain
international peace
and security
throughout the
world.
The other activities are: .
conflict prevention and mediation
peacemaking
peace enforcement
peace building
Conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace enforcement rarely occur in a
linear or sequential way. Experience has shown that they should be seen as mutually
reinforcing. If they are used piecemeal or in isolation, they fail to provide the
comprehensive approach required to address the root causes of conflict and hence reduce
the risk of conflict recurring.
• Conflict prevention
• Conflict prevention involves diplomatic measures to keep intra-state or inter-state tensions and
disputes from escalating into violent conflict.
• It includes early warning, information gathering and a careful analysis of the factors driving the
conflict. Conflict prevention activities may include the use of the Secretary-General’s “good
offices,” preventive deployment of UN missions or conflict mediation led by the Department of
Political Affairs.
• Peacemaking
• Peacemaking generally includes measures to address conflicts in progress and usually involves diplomatic
action to bring hostile parties to a negotiated agreement.
• The UN Secretary-General may exercise his or her “good offices” to facilitate the resolution of the conflict.
Peacemakers may also be envoys, governments, groups of states, regional organizations or the United
Nations. Peacemaking efforts may also be undertaken by unofficial and non-governmental groups, or by a
prominent personality working independently.
• Peace enforcement
• Peace enforcement involves the application of a range of coercive measures, including the use of military
force. It requires the explicit authorization of the Security Council.
• It is used to restore international peace and security in situations where the Security Council has decided
to act in the face of a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. The Council may
utilize, where appropriate, regional organizations and agencies for enforcement action under its authority
and in accordance with the UN Charter.
• Peace building
• Peace building aims to reduce the risk of lapsing or relapsing into conflict by strengthening national
capacities at all levels for conflict management, and to lay the foundation for sustainable peace and
development. It is a complex, long-term process of creating the necessary conditions for sustainable peace.
Peacebuilding measures address core issues that effect the functioning of society and the State, and seek to
enhance the capacity of the State to effectively and legitimately carry out its core functions.
• Role of peacekeeping
• The boundaries between conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace building and peace
enforcement have become increasingly blurred. Peace operations are rarely limited to one type of
activity.
• While UN peacekeeping operations are, in principle, deployed to support the implementation of a
ceasefire or peace agreement, they are often required to play an active role in peacemaking efforts and
may also be involved in early peace building activities.
Today's multidimensional peacekeeping operations facilitate the political
process, protect civilians, assist in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of
former combatants; support the organization of elections, protect and promote human
rights and assist in restoring the rule of law.
UN peacekeeping operations may use force to defend themselves, their mandate, and
civilians, particularly in situations where the State is unable to provide security and
maintain public order.
