Definition: Refers to measures taken to intervene in ongoing conflicts with the aim of coercing the aggressor to cease hostilities.
Authorization: Involves the authorized use of force by international (usually UN) institutions.
Example: The Korean War is frequently cited as an instance of peace enforcement.
Peace Keeping
Definition: Aims to resolve commitment problems in conflict situations by providing an impartial monitor presence to ensure compliance among involved parties.
Successes: Often contributes to stability by monitoring various activities such as elections.
Outcomes of Peacekeeping Operations
Quiet Successes: Some UN operations, though often overshadowed by reports of violence and genocide, have been successful in stabilizing regions through disarmament and integration of former rebel groups into society.
Notable Countries: The UN has successfully facilitated peace efforts in nations such as El Salvador, Guatemala, Mozambique, and Cambodia.
Actions Taken: These operations often involved disarming rebel groups, integrating ex-rebels into societal frameworks, and organizing elections to help political systems recover.
UN's Role: Often regarded as the UN's most successful function in maintaining international peace and security.
Complications and Challenges
Limited Stakeholder Involvement: The UN frequently does not engage or has limited capacity to intervene in international crises, particularly when stakes are low or when the conflict does not garner significant international attention.
Example: The Rwandan Genocide illustrated a failure in timely intervention, leading to countless deaths due to the lack of involvement from the international community.
Doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
Purpose and Importance
Definition: The R2P doctrine asserts the responsibility of the UN and international community to protect populations from atrocities such as genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
Complications in Implementation
Public Outrage Factor: Even in instances of widespread public outrage over atrocities, the ability to implement protective measures may be stymied by international political dynamics and the influence of powerful nations, leading to unequal applications of the doctrine.
Historical Context: The geopolitical tensions, particularly during the Cold War, often hindered unified international action due to opposing interests from major powers such as the US and Soviet Union.
Summary of Key Points
Institutional Success: The UN and its peacekeeping missions have been most effective when strong national interests align and when at least one major power is willing to incur the costs associated with intervention in a conflict.
Costs of Intervention: Willingness to pay a price in terms of resources and political capital is critical for effective implementation of peacekeeping and conflict resolution operations.