Conflict Resolution
ANALYSIS OF UNITED NATION’S ROLE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND THE FUTURE CHALLENGES
PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE
THEME
The UN which came into existence in October 1945, revived the “Charter” of League of Nations for “Collective Security”. Under various resolutions and clauses the UN peacekeeping operations followed evolving trends, affected by various types of conflicts and power equations. The concept of peacekeeping is borne out of a universal quest for a better world wherein all sovereign states demand equal recognition and seek peace, prosperity and their professed goals. By internal or external conflict, these states seek to attain their hopes and aspirations through mediation by a regional power or by the world body. The spectrum of “UN Peace Initiatives” covers the gambit of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, peace building and a series of actions to bring about peace.
The end of the cold war has brought about enormous upsurge in ethnic, religious and other local conflicts. Many of these conflicts pre-date the Cold War period and have deep historical and cultural roots. Because of their serious humanitarian implications or consequences for international peace and security there is no other alternative for the international community, than to respond to these conflicts with a view to their resolution, or at least to their alleviation. While the achievements of United Nations peacekeeping are substantial, there is a long and hazardous process of trial and error before us. Moreover, now the United Nations Peacekeeping is faced with unprecedented challenges. These challenges have strained the capacity and resources of the United Nations.
The 1990’s have seen wide swings in public opinion towards United Nations peacekeeping. The euphoria and high expectations regarding what the United Nations can deliver have been replaced by the rude shocks and deflated assessment of its capacity to successfully cope with conflicts.
PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE
THEME
The UN which came into existence in October 1945, revived the “Charter” of League of Nations for “Collective Security”. Under various resolutions and clauses the UN peacekeeping operations followed evolving trends, affected by various types of conflicts and power equations. The concept of peacekeeping is borne out of a universal quest for a better world wherein all sovereign states demand equal recognition and seek peace, prosperity and their professed goals. By internal or external conflict, these states seek to attain their hopes and aspirations through mediation by a regional power or by the world body. The spectrum of “UN Peace Initiatives” covers the gambit of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, peace building and a series of actions to bring about peace.
The end of the cold war has brought about enormous upsurge in ethnic, religious and other local conflicts. Many of these conflicts pre-date the Cold War period and have deep historical and cultural roots. Because of their serious humanitarian implications or consequences for international peace and security there is no other alternative for the international community, than to respond to these conflicts with a view to their resolution, or at least to their alleviation. While the achievements of United Nations peacekeeping are substantial, there is a long and hazardous process of trial and error before us. Moreover, now the United Nations Peacekeeping is faced with unprecedented challenges. These challenges have strained the capacity and resources of the United Nations.
The 1990’s have seen wide swings in public opinion towards United Nations peacekeeping. The euphoria and high expectations regarding what the United Nations can deliver have been replaced by the rude shocks and deflated assessment of its capacity to successfully cope with conflicts.
Bibliography: 4. UN Department of public Information. (New York, January 1998). 5. Dr. Safdar Mahmood, “International Affairs”, Lahore, 1995. 11. Sardar Ahmed, UN a Global Paradox in the Making. The Nation, March 29, 2001