Peacemaking and peacekeeping
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Question
What is peacemaking?
Answer
Using diplomacy, mediation and negotiation to get the warring sides to agree to stop fighting — producing a ceasefire or peace deal.
Question
What is peacekeeping?
Answer
Neutral forces (e.g. UN blue helmets) monitoring an existing ceasefire and separating former enemies, based on consent, impartiality and minimum force.
Question
What is peace enforcement?
Answer
Using military force, with authority, to impose or protect peace even without the parties' consent, where there is no deal to keep.
Question
What are the three principles of UN peacekeeping?
Answer
Consent of the parties, impartiality (not taking a side), and minimum use of force (only in self-defence or to protect civilians).
Question
Why must peacemaking usually come before peacekeeping?
Answer
Because peacekeepers hold a peace that already exists — they cannot create one where the sides still want to fight, so a deal must come first.
Question
When is peacekeeping most effective?
Answer
When there is a real peace deal to keep, a strong mandate, enough troops, the parties' genuine consent, and great-power backing.
Question
Why does peacekeeping sometimes fail?
Answer
Where there is no real peace to keep, mandates are weak, troops too few, a side refuses consent, or great-power vetoes block a strong response.
Question
Why is the UN's peacekeeping record described as 'mixed'?
Answer
Because it has both clear successes (holding ceasefires, protecting civilians) and failures (unable to stop some atrocities, blocked by vetoes).
Question
Why can outside mediators break a deadlock?
Answer
They are neutral, can offer face-saving compromises, guarantee deals and reassure sides who do not trust each other.
Question
Why can outsiders not guarantee lasting peace?
Answer
They can stop the shooting but cannot make the parties want peace; if grievances and the will to fight remain, an imposed deal can collapse when they leave.
Question
What is a 'strong mandate' in peacekeeping?
Answer
Clear authority and rules of engagement (and enough troops) allowing peacekeepers to do their job, including protecting civilians effectively.
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Full study notes for Peacemaking and peacekeeping
Topic 4.3 hub
Causes and dynamics of conflict
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Global Politics exam skills
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