Suchergebnisse

Examines recent Canadian analyses & discussions of peacekeeping in the context of international relations debate between idealism & realism, the latter as viewed from Hans Moregenthau's perspective to which the author subscribes. Conceptual ambiguity surrounding peacekeeping is addressed, seeking some clarification from the distinction between troop deployment under Chapter VI of the UN Charter & deployment under Chapter VII. At issue is how the government & citizenry of Canada came to support peacekeeping with such thoughtlessness that the criteria developed to guide sensible decision making could be thoroughly ignored. A long-term factor underpinning this situation is the extent to which peacekeeping has supported a persistent myth of Canadian identity that centers on a rejection of the US. The short-term factor involves changes in the Canadian armed forces resulting at least partly from foreign policy ideals that generally removed from or contrary to the realities of power & interest. Thus, the abandonment of realism for the idealism that motivates Canada's pursuit of peacekeeping is seen as contributing to the disintegration of the Canadian armed forces. J. Zendejas

Recent surveys have demonstrated that Canadians value Canada's role as a peacekeeper and peacemaker in an international context. Additionally, research has demonstrated decreasing public support for Canada's involvement in military combat interventions in other parts of the world. However, awareness and understanding of nonviolent alternatives appear to be lacking. This survey examines Canadian public's awareness and understanding of unarmed civilian peacekeeping as an alternative to sending armed troops, and whether the public would support Canada in utilizing unarmed civilian peacekeepers (focusing on mediation, negotiation, relationship and peacebuilding activities) as part of its response to violent global conflicts. The results reveal that Canadians believe unarmed civilian peacekeeping would be more effective in tasks such as reducing human rights abuses, preventing further armed conflict and promoting lasting peace. Respondents also believe the practice would benefit Canada's reputation as a peacemaker and leader. This paper concludes with recommendations for proponents and advocates of the incorporation of unarmed civilian peacekeeping into the official policy of the Canadian government. 1 ; Peer reviewed ; Published