A peacekeeping mission is a multinational force that deploys military and police personnel to reduce conflict and prevent it from reappearing. Their tasks range from policing, disarming and reintegrating rebels and terrorists to establishing legitimate post-conflict government and public services, as well as promoting the rule of law and restoring confidence between former adversaries. Research has shown that a robust peacekeeping operation significantly reduces both civilian and battlefield deaths, and prevents the massive humanitarian suffering that accompanies war.
However, the complex nature of peacekeeping missions is a source of much frustration and controversy. Mistrust and power dynamics can undermine the effectiveness of mission mandates. Often, as illustrated by the Mali crisis, UN missions become arenas for superpower rivalries, with each country using the mission to advance its own geopolitical agenda.
In addition, bureaucratic drift can erode the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Despite this, UN peacekeeping has started to improve its performance through the use of systematic data collection and analysis. It is also becoming increasingly adept at showing how its work is influencing the country’s situation over time.
Nevertheless, despite the benefits of peacekeeping, many war-wracked countries have struggled to sustain it. Indeed, 60 percent of intrastate armed conflicts relapse within five years of their end. This is because peacekeeping alone is not enough. Countries must address underlying problems, such as economic dysfunction and the deep mistrust that exists between former combatants. The most successful peacekeeping missions combine military, civilian and political components to tackle these root causes and increase the likelihood of sustained peace.