Challenges in the Contemporary Peacekeeping Environment
A Personal Perspective
21 September 2011
Presented by
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Armitage MBE
Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre
CONTEMPORARY ENVIRONMENT
Why now?
• Remove ambiguity • Remind ourselves of the
differences between current operations and peacekeeping
• Reflect better the contemporary environment
PEACEKEEPING
Is the technique designed to support the implementation of a ceasefire or peace agreement, however fragmented, where major hostility has halted, and to assist in implementing agreements achieved by the
peacemakers.
PEACEKEEPING / PEACE ENFORCEMENT RELATIONSHIP
Multidimensional Peacekeeping
Military ApproachCoerciveBenign
Peace Enforcement
PEACE ENFORCEMENT
.. involves the application of a range of coercive measures, including the use of
military force. Such actions are authorised to restore international peace and security
in situations where the Security Council has determined the existence of a threat to the
peace..
UN Peacekeeping Guidelines: 2008
ROBUST PEACEKEEPING(the requirements)
• Domestic political will to implement the mandate• Understanding of why you’re there • Understanding the environment • Resourced and trained appropriately • An agile and effective chain of command• The ability and willingness to act
Political Process
Peace Building
Peacekeeping
Peace Enforcement
Conflict
Cease-fire
Peacemaking
Conflict Prevention
PEACEKEEPING PRINCIPLES
• Consent• Impartiality• Minimum Force for Self Defence and
Implementation of the Mandate• Political Primacy• Legitimacy• Cause no Harm – Conflict-Sensitive Activity• An Integrated Approach
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MILITARY
• Understanding– The political environment– The operating environment– Partners (collaborative working)
• The need for a posture that deters acts against the agreement / ceasefire / mandate– Protection of civilians
CHALLENGES FACING CHINA
• Willingness to conduct robust peacekeeping:– Interference versus impartiality– Authorise the use force to implement the
mandate– Willingness to accept casualties
• Ability to conduct robust peacekeeping:– Decentralised command– Capability
• Ability to integrate with other actors• Ability to capture lessons learned