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Peacekeeping and the responsibility to protect

Hassler, Sabine

Authors

Sabine Hassler Sabine2.Hassler@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Director - Academic Enhancement - UG



Abstract

This article examines the debate surrounding the responsibility to protect [R2P] with particular reference to the use of peacekeeping forces in that regard. Post-Cold War, human protection had expanded into a matter of international concern. Yet, where formerly humanitarian intervention was the mot du jour, a change in conceptual vocabulary led to the introduction of R2P and to a redefinition of sovereignty. Accordingly, the primary responsibility to protect its citizens rests with the sovereign state but, owing to international solidarity, the residual responsibility rests with the international community. Contextually, R2P is embedded in a continuum of responsibilities: prevent, react and rebuild. Proponents of the concept already see a norm in development. Still, divisions and confusion remain concerning the concept's legal basis, its scope and its parameters.This is particularly relevant in view of peacekeeping forces, which have been increasingly deployed for humanitarian purposes. Because of ill-defined mandates and an overextension of resources, however, traditional peacekeeping is no longer suitable, lacking the resources, the personnel and the necessary expertise. To be able to fulfil the goals of R2P, peacekeeping will have to be redefined and the forces equipped with more robust mandates or fail. © 2010 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2010
Journal Journal of International Peacekeeping
Print ISSN 1875-4104
Electronic ISSN 1875-4112
Publisher Brill Academic Publishers
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Volume 14
Issue 1-2
Pages 134-183
DOI https://doi.org/10.1163/187541110x12592205205739
Keywords humanitarian intervention, responsibility to protect, human security, sovereignty, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, norm development
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/985517
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/187541110x12592205205739