What are Peacekeeping and Peace-building in International Relations?

Peacekeeping is a term used to describe efforts to maintain or restore peace in conflict-affected areas, typically through the deployment of international military or civilian personnel. Peacekeeping operations are often authorized by the United Nations (UN) and are designed to help reduce violence, protect civilians, and create the conditions for a peaceful resolution to conflicts.

Peacekeeping operations can take many forms, including traditional peacekeeping, which involves the deployment of lightly armed military or civilian personnel to monitor and observe the situation on the ground and report back to the UN; and peace enforcement, which involves the use of military force to protect civilians and to enforce a peace agreement.

Peacekeeping operations are often deployed in situations where there is a ceasefire in place or where a peace agreement has been reached, and they are typically tasked with helping to create an environment in which a peaceful resolution to the conflict is possible. However, peacekeeping operations can also be deployed in more proactive roles, such as to protect civilians from violence, or to disarm and demobilize former combatants.

Peacekeeping operations have been deployed in many different parts of the world, and have played a key role in helping to reduce violence and promote peace in many conflict-affected areas.

Peace-building in International Relations

Peacebuilding refers to a wide range of activities and initiatives that are designed to address the root causes of conflict and to promote a sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas. Peacebuilding can include a range of activities, such as:

1. Conflict resolution and mediation: Peacebuilding can involve efforts to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between conflicting parties in order to resolve disputes and reduce the risk of violence.
2. Institution-building: Peacebuilding can involve efforts to build or rebuild the institutions and infrastructure necessary for the effective functioning of a state, such as judiciaries, police forces, and civil society organizations.
3. Economic development: Peacebuilding can involve efforts to promote economic development and improve living standards in conflict-affected areas, as a means of reducing the risk of conflict and promoting sustainable peace.
4. Human rights: Peacebuilding can involve efforts to promote respect for human rights and to address human rights abuses, as a means of reducing the risk of conflict and promoting sustainable peace.

Peacebuilding is often seen as a long-term process that requires the participation and cooperation of a wide range of actors, including governments, international organizations, civil society organizations, and local communities. Peacebuilding is often seen as an essential component of any effort to promote sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas.