Peacekeeping for a New Era: Why Theory Matters

The last decade has seen an unprecedented expansion of peacekeeping activity in response to the explosion of violent conflict in the post-Cold War world. Yet the state of people's understanding of peacekeeping is unequal to the problems thrown up by such conflict. This paper attempts a reconsid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Global dialogue (Nicosia, Cyprus) Cyprus), 2000-04, Vol.2 (2), p.109-119
Main Author: Fetherston, A B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Conflict management
Conflict resolution
Diplomatic & consular services
International
International disputes
International relations
International relations theory
Military intervention
Peace keeping
Peace negotiations
Peacekeeping forces
Post-Cold War
Statistical analysis
Success
Theory
United Nations
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Summary:The last decade has seen an unprecedented expansion of peacekeeping activity in response to the explosion of violent conflict in the post-Cold War world. Yet the state of people's understanding of peacekeeping is unequal to the problems thrown up by such conflict. This paper attempts a reconsideration of the theory and practice of peacekeeping and suggests some new ways forward. It begins by reviewing the rather limited development of peacekeeping theory to date, paying special attention to attempts to set peacekeeping within a framework of conflict resolution. This is followed by a consideration of the shortcomings of conflict resolution itself as a space in which to situate peacekeeping, and by a look at recent, potentially more fruitful, theoretical developments regarding the concept of "peacebuilding". Finally, the author offers an example from Croatia of the unfulfilled potential of peacekeeping as peacebuilding. The continuing failure of current practice demands a more comprehensive, nuanced understanding.
ISSN:1450-0590