Peacekeeping is a word that refers to the maintenance of peace and order in a society or region. Its pronunciation is /piːsˌkiːpɪŋ/, with stress on the second syllable. The spelling of "peacekeeping" follows the basic rules of English phonetics, with the "ea" in the first syllable pronounced as /iː/, and the "ee" in the second syllable pronounced as /iː/ as well. The word is often used to describe the actions of United Nations or other international organizations that work to maintain peace in conflict-ridden areas around the world.
Peacekeeping refers to a form of intervention carried out by an impartial third party, typically an international organization, aimed at maintaining or restoring peace in a conflict-ridden region or country. It involves the deployment of a multinational force to monitor and oversee a ceasefire agreement between conflicting parties. The primary objective of peacekeeping is to prevent the resumption of hostilities and facilitate a stable environment conducive to long-term peace and development.
Peacekeeping operations are characterized by their non-coercive nature, employing diplomacy, negotiation, and mediation to foster a peaceful resolution of conflicts. Peacekeepers act as intermediaries, ensuring compliance with agreed-upon ceasefires, providing humanitarian assistance, protecting vulnerable populations, and supporting the establishment of sustainable peace institutions. They may also facilitate the implementation of peace agreements, disarmament processes, and elections.
Peacekeeping missions are typically authorized by the United Nations Security Council or regional organizations, such as the African Union or NATO. Personnel involved in peacekeeping operations may consist of military troops, police officers, and civilian experts from contributing countries. Maintaining impartiality, respect for human rights, and adherence to the principles of consent and non-use of force are core tenets of peacekeeping.
Although peacekeeping has its limitations and challenges, including the need for adequate resources, potential risks faced by personnel, and complex political dynamics, it remains an essential tool in global efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts and contribute to the overall goal of peace and security.
The word "peacekeeping" is derived from two main components: "peace" and "keeping".
The term "peace" has its origins in the Latin word "pax", meaning "freedom from war or civil disturbance". "Pax" was also used in Old English as "pēac", which had a similar meaning. Over time, "peace" came to represent the absence of conflict, harmony, and tranquility.
The word "keeping" comes from the Old English word "cepian", which means "to take care of" or "to guard". It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic term "kopjan", meaning "to look, to observe, to take heed" or "to notice".
Combining these two elements, "peacekeeping" represents the practice of taking care of, guarding, or observing the peace.