UN Peacekeeping Activities

UN Peacekeepers help countries that are torn by conflict to create conditions conducive to lasting peace. Peacekeepers often serve as referees, enabling the peace process by upholding the terms of the combatants’ peace agreements. They often help facilitate complex agreements by overcoming issues, such as legitimacy, burden sharing, and the ability to deploy and integrate global troops and police into the conflict’s civilian peacekeepers. The guiding principles of UN Peacekeepers, within a conflict, are consent, impartiality, non-use of force (except in self-defense), and defense of the agreement.

Below are some of our most popular news, articles, and podcasts related to United Nations Peacekeeping activities including its history,  organization, and contribution to world peace and security. Click to see a list of other popular global topics.

5 Reasons Countries Go To War (And How To Avoid Them)
Listen to experts discussing, in April 2022, Chris Blattman’s book “Why We Fight”, and the research behind the five reasons countries go to war and how to avoid them. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The UN Peacekeeping Mission In Cyprus, 50 Years Later
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2021, the UN Peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, the 50-year history of UN Peacekeeping activities in Cyprus, and the continued need for troops and support. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How The United States Can Strengthen UN Peacekeeping
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2021, the history and changing role of the United Nations’ Peacekeeping Blue Helmets and how the United States can strengthen and support UN Peacekeeping activities. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How COVID-19 Will Affect UN Peacekeeping
Read the article, from June 2020, about how COVID-19 is expected to affect the number and size of UN Peacekeeping missions and how the Blue Helmets may adapt to the new socio-economic profiles of emerging conflicts. Click here to read the article.

UN Peacekeeping Force Caught In Crossfire Of Conflict In The Golan Heights
Read the article, from May 2018, about UNDOF Peacekeepers based in the Golan Heights, their routine missions, the unexpected crossfire from a Syrian-based missile attack, and the swift Israeli response. Click here to read the article.

UN Brokered Ceasefire In Yemen
Listen to experts discussing, in April 2022, Yemen’s devastating war-based famine and humanitarian crisis and the prospects for a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations resulting in lasting peace. Click here to listen to the podcast.

United Nations Peacekeepers In Mali Fighting Terrorist Groups
Read the article, from January 2019, about the UN Peacekeeping forces in Mali on the front lines of a global fight against terrorist groups and the UNPA’s daily efforts to put Mali on a path to political reconciliation. Click here to read the article.

UN Peacekeeping Faces Massive Funding Shortfall
Read the article, from January 2019, about the massive funding shortfall for the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping operations. Click here to read the article.

UN Peacekeepers Involvement In A Syrian Ceasefire
Read the article, from May 2013, about the Syrian conflict, its pre-ceasefire conditions, and the need for a credible arbiter to enable a ceasefire agreement. Learn why UN Peacekeepers could increase the prospects for a successful ceasefire and lasting peace. Click here to read the article.

UN Peacekeeping Facts And Figures
Read the article, from May 2012, about the history of the UN peacekeeping force, its evolution, and its contribution to global sustainable development. Click here to read the article.

A New Study Shows How to Counter Violent Extremism Through “Social Cohesion”
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, how experimental social-cohesion programs reduced villager recruitment into the violent extremist groups in the Tillaberi region of Niger. Learn why peacebuilding projects like ”social cohesion” are such important alternatives to the military removal of terrorist groups and fit within SDG11. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs | How (And Why) Congress Can Support UN Peacekeeping
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the role UN multilateral initiatives, like Peacekeeping, play in the US-led coalition success. Learn from an insider how the nuance of US Congressional support of UN Peacekeeping, linkage to the pruned Competes Act, and outdated funding caps, is causing US influence in UN voting to be leaked to China. Click here to listen to the podcast.

An Extremely Fragile Democratic Transition Is Underway In Sudan
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, Sudan’s governmental instability, and the adequacy of the December 5th peace agreement between the military and civilian political parties. Learn about the provisions of the agreement and the fragile transition to a more democratic government that is underway. Click here to listen to the podcast.

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