Civil-military relations and peacekeeping

In: Adelphi paper, 321

Abstract

Peacekeeping in the late 1990s is a complex and diverse task. Missions involve military, political and humanitarian aspects and, as a result, civilian and military personnel are working together to a greater degree than ever before. Peacekeeping operations in the 1990s have been marked by insufficient military input at the strategic level; unclear mandates; and weak command and control by the UN. In the field, whether under UN or NATO auspices, missions are hampered by the culture clash between civilians and the military; by poor coordination of civilian and military tasks; by inadequate military training to meet peacekeeping's specific demands; and by differing approaches to human-rights issues and the media. This paper argues that steps must be taken to improve civil-military relations. Measures should include increased military input in framing peacekeeping mandates; improved political guidance for commanders on the ground; and training to meet peacekeeping's particular needs. Civil-military relations in peacekeeping require a continuing dialogue between the two sides to strengthen the effectiveness of international intervention and to minimise competition and argument.