ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 5 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1377
STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES FOR ADDRESSING CONFLICTS: UNITED
NATIONS PERSPECTIVE
Erkinova SHarofat Akramovna
Faculty of international Relations
E.S. Sultanova
Research advisor.
The University of World Economy and Diplomacy
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11394067
Abstract.
“
This topic provides an overview of the strategies and techniques employed by
the United Nations to address conflicts around the world. It discusses preventive diplomacy,
peacekeeping operations, peacebuilding, and other techniques used by the UN to prevent, manage,
and resolve conflicts. The UN's strategies are based on the principles of impartiality, consent, and
the use of force only as a last resort
.”
Keywords
:
Preventative and proactive conflict resolution, conflict management, conflict
transformation and post-conflict reconstruction, Basic Needs Theory, preventative diplomacy,
second-generation peacekeeping operations, mutual problem sharing between India and
Bangladesh.
СТРАТЕГИИ И МЕТОДЫ РАЗРЕШЕНИЯ КОНФЛИКТОВ: ВЗГЛЯД
ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ ОБЪЕДИНЕННЫХ НАЦИЙ
Аннотация.
«Эта тема представляет собой обзор стратегий и методов,
используемых Организацией Объединенных Наций для разрешения конфликтов по всему
миру. В нем обсуждаются превентивная дипломатия, миротворческие операции,
миростроительство и другие методы, используемые ООН для предотвращения,
управления и разрешения конфликтов. Стратегии ООН основаны на принципах
беспристрастности, согласия и применения силы только в крайнем случае».
Ключевые слова:
превентивное и упреждающее разрешение конфликтов,
управление
конфликтами,
трансформация
конфликта
и
постконфликтное
восстановление,
теория
основных
потребностей,
превентивная
дипломатия,
миротворческие операции второго поколения, взаимное разделение проблем между Индией
и Бангладеш.
The United Nations (UN) plays a vital role in addressing conflicts around the world. It has
developed a range of strategies and techniques to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts. The UN
was founded on October 24, 1945, with the primary goal of maintaining international peace and
security, which remains a cornerstone of its mission. The organization has consistently employed
various approaches and methods for conflict resolution, as outlined in different articles of the UN
Charter such as Article 1, Article 33, Chapter VI, and Chapter VII, along with utilizing resources
from bodies like the General Assembly and the Secretary-General.
Various conflict resolution techniques have been applied based on specific contexts and
ground realities. These strategies often intersect, complement, and strengthen each other,
enhancing their overall effectiveness in promoting peace and resolving conflicts holistically.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 5 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1378
The UN's strategy for conflict prevention has progressed over time. Notably, resolutions
from the General Assembly and Security Council in 2016 focused on "sustaining peace." These
resolutions emphasize the use of structural and diplomatic measures to prevent tensions and
disputes from escalating into violent conflicts. Key measures include providing timely information
for crisis prevention, de-escalating hostilities before violence erupts, enhancing mediation and
negotiation capabilities, establishing formal and informal communication channels between
conflicting parties, conducting fact-finding missions for humanitarian aid and assistance, exploring
non-violent conflict resolution methods, containing ongoing conflicts to prevent their spread, and
deterring the resurgence of violence.
“The aim [of conflict prevention] must be to create a synergy with those civil society groups
that are bridge-builders, truthfinders, watchdogs, human rights defenders, and agents of social
protection and economic revitalisation.” - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan quoted in The
Washington Times, 23 June 2004
In 1992, the United Nations successfully implemented preventive action in Macedonia by
deploying peacekeepers along the borders with Serbia. Additionally, a civilian unit monitored
early signs of conflict and engaged in preventive diplomacy to address escalating tensions among
ethnic groups within the country. This proactive approach included various civil society efforts
such as inter-community dialogues, promoting tolerance through radio and television programs,
and democratizing the media.
To further enhance conflict prevention strategies, it is essential to implement more
proactive measures such as early warning systems, information gathering, and in-depth analysis
of the underlying drivers of conflicts.
Categorizing Conflict Prevention approaches into two types can provide a comprehensive
understanding:
1. Direct Conflict Prevention:
- Focuses on addressing immediate and instant causes of conflict.
- Involves tactical and operational measures.
- Examples include sending high-level diplomatic missions to mediate between parties
and deploying peacekeeping missions.
- Forceful methods like economic sanctions, inducements, disarmament, and deployment
of peacekeeping missions are used.
2. Indirect Conflict Prevention:
- Addresses root causes and structural needs based on John Burton's Basic Needs theory.
- Involves basic and evolving measures.
- Strategies include using good offices, negotiation, mediation, special political missions,
protecting human rights and minority rights, promoting non-violent responses to conflicts,
involving women and civil society.
- This type of prevention focuses on an ongoing peacebuilding process that continues
even after the UN Peacekeeping mission ends.
By employing a combination of direct and indirect conflict prevention strategies, including
both immediate interventions and long-term structural changes, the international community can
work towards sustainable peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 5 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1379
Conflict Management aims to restrict or regulate conflicts, even though it serves as a short-
term solution, it can impact the potential for long-term settlement and resolution of conflicts. At
times, these restrictive measures can solidify the status quo of the conflict, making it challenging
for conflicting parties to progress towards new reconciliations. An example of this is the Cyprus
Conflict, where the UNFICYP Peacekeeping Mission has been stationed since 27th March 1964,
yet no resolution seems imminent. Despite some success in humanitarian and non-military areas,
a political stalemate persists.
In contrast, Conflict Resolution, which is based on mutual problem sharing needs, aims for
a more comprehensive process with the potential for permanent and long-term efficacy. This
approach can provide a win-win situation for the conflicting parties. The UN continues to play a
crucial role in international conflict resolution, with 14 ongoing peacekeeping operations and a
total of 71 deployed since 1948. In 2019, the Secretary-General launched the Action for
Peacekeeping Initiative (A4P) to renew mutual political commitment to peacekeeping operations.
The evolution of peacekeeping over the years has shifted from primarily military
observation of ceasefires and separation of forces after inter-state wars to a more complex model
involving military, police, and civilian elements working together to lay the foundations for
sustainable peace. This transformative role of second-generation peacekeeping operations helps
facilitate political processes, assist in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former
combatants, organize elections, and promote human rights.
Notable instances of UN mediation efforts include Iran's acceptance of UN Resolution 598
as the basis for talks with Iraq to end the Iran-Iraq war, the Angola-Namibia-South Africa
Resolution 435 calling for a ceasefire, a UN peacekeeping force, and UN-sponsored elections in
Namibia, as well as the UN-brokered peace plan in Western Sahara calling for a ceasefire and
referendum.
Several successful peacekeeping operations include those in Cambodia (UNTAC), El
Salvador (ONUSAL), Guatemala (MINUGUA), Mozambique (ONUMOZ), Namibia (UNTAG),
and Tajikistan (UNMOT), which have played pivotal roles in maintaining peace, ending armed
conflicts, organizing elections, and monitoring peace agreements during and after civil wars.
Conflict Transformation and Post-Conflict Rebuilding & Reconstruction involve
establishing conditions that support sustainable peace to flourish. Efforts in post-reconstruction
development, such as ongoing engagement with local communities and fostering dialogue, are
essential for preventing a relapse into conflict. These continuous processes and commitments to
reconciliation are fundamental for long-lasting peace and development. John Paul Lederach
emphasized a transformation-oriented approach that focuses on reconciliation within society.
In Liberia, the UN Peacekeeping Mission, UNMIL, successfully completed its 15-year
mission. However, various UN agencies like the UN Development Programmes, UNICEF, and the
World Food Programme continued their presence in the country to support post-conflict
reconstruction and development efforts. Following successful disarmament, demobilization,
rehabilitation, reintegration processes, and peaceful elections, UNMIL shifted its focus to
providing security, assisting in building new military and police forces, and extending civil
authority across the nation. Technical and logistical support was provided to government
departments by UNMIL. Countries like Sierra Leone, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Timor-Leste,
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 5 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1380
Liberia, Haiti, and Kosovo have been guided towards normal development through basic security
provision, assistance in political transitions, and establishment of new state institutions.
India and Bangladesh have made significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations
as top-ranking troop contributors. Together they have deployed about 11,853 troops out of a total
of 82,245 as of June 30th, 2020. India has been the largest troop contributor to UN missions since
their inception, participating in 49 missions with over 240,000 troops and police personnel.
However, this commitment has come at a cost, with both countries having lost peacekeepers in the
line of duty more than any other member states.
While the United Nations has made progress in utilizing measures like preventive
diplomacy, conflict resolution, and peace maintenance activities in recent years, there are
numerous challenges. Some peacekeeping operations have faced difficulties and conflicts persist
in regions like the Israeli Occupation, Cambodia Violence, Somalia, Rwanda, and Darfur Conflict
in Sudan. To enhance its effectiveness in Conflict Resolution, restructuring and reform within the
UN are crucial. Suggestions include expanding Security Council Permanent Members to include
rising democratic powers like India, Japan, Brazil, and Germany; reevaluating the Veto system;
increasing regional representation; and improving transparency in the administration and
functioning of the UN. As the UN celebrates its 75th Anniversary, member nations should unite
to demand restructuring for a more equitable and just system based on equality, representation,
and multilateralism.
REFERENCES
1.
Chapter 1(Article 1) - Purpose and Principles, The UN is engaged for maintaining
international peace and security through peaceful manners and with respect to International
law and the principle of justice, Available athttp://hrlibrary.umn.edu/peace/do
2.
Article 33- Parties to a conflict shall resolve their differences by “mediation, conciliation,
arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangement or other peaceful
means of their own choice, Available at –
https://www.un.org/en/sections/un-
charter/chapter-vii/index.html
3.
John Burton, Resolving Deep-Rooted Conflicts: A Handbook, Lanham, MD: University
Press of America, 1987. Needs theory - thus postulates that human development requires
the fulfillment of basic human needs such as identity, security, recognition, creativity,
control, belongingness, love, choice and self-actuation.
4.
John Paul Lederach is an American Professor of International Peacebuilding at the
University of Norte Dame, Norte Dame, Indiana xUnited Nations Peace Keeping
operations,
Principles
&
Guidelines
2010,
Available
at
-
peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/capstone_eng_0.pd
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Dr. Jyoti M. Pathania is Senior Fellow & Chairperson Outreach at Centre for Land Warfare
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