Peace enforcement

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Peace enforcement is a type of military operation or diplomatic activity aimed at restoring peace in areas of conflict. Unlike peacekeeping, which generally involves the deployment of forces to maintain peace and security already established through a ceasefire or agreement, peace enforcement may require the use of armed force to bring hostile parties to a halt, compelling them to cease aggression and engage in peaceful negotiations.

Overview

Peace enforcement actions are undertaken under the authorization of international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) or regional organizations like the African Union (AU) or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). These operations are typically sanctioned through resolutions that define the scope and limitations of the intervention. The legal basis for peace enforcement under international law is often derived from Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which allows for the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Objectives

The primary objective of peace enforcement is to create a secure environment that facilitates the return to diplomacy and the establishment of a lasting peace agreement. This may involve:

• Disarming and demobilizing combatants
• Protecting civilians and humanitarian aid workers
• Restoring law and order
• Supporting the establishment of a legitimate and recognized government

Challenges

Peace enforcement operations face numerous challenges, including:

• Determining the appropriate level of force to use
• Maintaining neutrality and impartiality in the eyes of the local population and the international community
• Transitioning from peace enforcement to peacekeeping and eventually to post-conflict reconstruction and development

Notable Examples

Several notable peace enforcement operations include:

• The NATO-led intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, aimed at ending the Bosnian War.
• The UN-authorized, NATO-led operation in Libya in 2011, which aimed to protect civilians during the Libyan Civil War.

Criticism

Peace enforcement operations have been subject to criticism for various reasons, including:

• The potential for significant collateral damage and civilian casualties
• The challenge of achieving long-term peace and stability
• The perception of violating state sovereignty

Conclusion

Peace enforcement plays a critical role in the international community's toolkit for managing and resolving conflicts. While it carries inherent risks and challenges, it remains a necessary option when traditional peacekeeping efforts are insufficient to halt violence and restore order.