Description
Studies from the conflict resolution field note that peacekeeping operations derive legitimacy from a commitment to micro and macro level de-escalation, and resolution of violent conflict. However, the ‘robust turn’ in UN operations has thrown up significant questions as to the extent to which increasingly militarized peacekeeping operations can still be considered effective conflict resolution devices.
Using a review of relevant academic and policy literature, this article investigates the extent to which contemporary UN peacekeeping operations can be considered a device of conflict resolution. The paper charts the emergence of the ‘robust turn’ in UN peacekeeping, a phenomenon which has occurred at the same time as ambitious policy guidance which asks missions to be attuned to nuanced processes of peacebuilding.
The paper argues that there is a high likelihood that regardless of the effect on the peacebuilding potential of missions, the ‘robust turn’ is set to continue. This leads the article to ask the extent to which military personnel in UN operations can be prepared to be ‘robust peacebuilders’, before exploring the implications are for the field of conflict resolution.
