UN Peacekeeping at 75
A report by academics and UN officials examines the impact of UN peacekeeping over the last 75 years.
2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping operation. To this purpose, a forum report led by Prof. Allard Duursma from ETH Zurich, and assembling academics and UN officials, assessed the achievements and challenges of UN peacekeeping over the past 75 years. It also identifies current trends and developments which influence and shape the practice and future of peacekeeping and explores what lies ahead. The report provides UN policymakers with evidence and recommendations to adapt peacekeeping mandates to shifting conflict dynamics and geopolitical challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Over 75 years, UN peacekeeping has continuously evolved — adapting mandates, strategies, and partnerships to meet changing conflict environments, despite facing criticism and operational challenges.
- The foundational principles of consent, impartiality, and limited use of force have been increasingly strained, especially with more complex conflicts and a stronger emphasis on protecting civilians and supporting fragile states.
- Peacekeeping faces a tougher geopolitical landscape, with rising host-state resistance, competition from regional forces, and shifting expectations towards lighter, political missions rather than large, multidimensional operations.
