UN peacekeeping has helped prevent state collapse in several post-conflict nations. Analyse how peacekeeping contributes to long-term stability. Identify the key operational challenges. Also evaluate its relevance in a multipolar world.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Q4. UN peacekeeping has helped prevent state collapse in several post-conflict nations. Analyse how peacekeeping contributes to long-term stability. Identify the key operational challenges. Also evaluate its relevance in a multipolar world. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question: The proposed withdrawal of US funding from UN peacekeeping amid rising geopolitical tensions, especially in Africa and the Middle East, raises concerns about the long-term viability of multilateral peace efforts. This makes it important to examine peacekeeping’s evolving role and challenges in a multipolar world. Key Demand of the question: The question demands an analysis of how UN peacekeeping promotes long-term post-conflict stability, identification of the operational challenges it faces, and an evaluation of its strategic relevance in the current multipolar global order. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention the pivotal role of UN peacekeeping in averting state collapse and maintaining international security in conflict-ridden zones. Body Contribution to long-term stability: Discuss peacekeeping’s role in disarmament, institution-building, elections, and civilian protection. Key operational challenges: Mention mandate ambiguity, funding gaps, host state resistance, and lack of enforcement capacity. Relevance in a multipolar world: Evaluate its strategic importance for burden-sharing, soft power, legitimacy, and managing asymmetric threats. Conclusion Highlight the need for reforms in mandate clarity and resource mobilisation to ensure peacekeeping remains credible and relevant amid changing power equations.
Why the question: The proposed withdrawal of US funding from UN peacekeeping amid rising geopolitical tensions, especially in Africa and the Middle East, raises concerns about the long-term viability of multilateral peace efforts. This makes it important to examine peacekeeping’s evolving role and challenges in a multipolar world.
Key Demand of the question: The question demands an analysis of how UN peacekeeping promotes long-term post-conflict stability, identification of the operational challenges it faces, and an evaluation of its strategic relevance in the current multipolar global order.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention the pivotal role of UN peacekeeping in averting state collapse and maintaining international security in conflict-ridden zones.
• Contribution to long-term stability: Discuss peacekeeping’s role in disarmament, institution-building, elections, and civilian protection.
• Key operational challenges: Mention mandate ambiguity, funding gaps, host state resistance, and lack of enforcement capacity.
• Relevance in a multipolar world: Evaluate its strategic importance for burden-sharing, soft power, legitimacy, and managing asymmetric threats.
Conclusion Highlight the need for reforms in mandate clarity and resource mobilisation to ensure peacekeeping remains credible and relevant amid changing power equations.