UN Peace Operations Quiz Answers

1. The first UN peacekeepers were unarmed military observers in 1948. T or F? True. During the 1st Arab-Israeli war.

2. How many fully-equipped and trained soldiers comprise the UN Standing Peacekeeping Force?
Trick question - None. There is no standing force. The UN must request troop contributions from member nations. The 1990's average time to deploy forces was 3 - 6 months.
Does the UN have a dedicated supply and logistics base? A permanent base with satellite communications was set up 1994 in Brandisi, Italy.


3. What are some characteristics of 'traditional' peacekeeping as developed during the early UN peacekeeping missions such as Suez in 1956?
Consent of the parties, interposition between armed forces, impartiality, minimum use of force, authorized under Chapte VI

4. What differentiates peacekeeping from peace enforcement?
Under peace enforcement, consent of all parties is not required, it is authorized under Chapter VII rather than Chapter VI, and it is usually conducted by 'coalitions of the willing' e.g. Korea 1950 and Iraq 1991

5. In what ways has peacekeeping changed since the end of the Cold War?
More operations (41 of 54 in last 12 years), intra-state rather than inter-state, more civilian personnel because more complex missions (humanitarian assistance, electoral and human rights monitoring, demining, institution building, etc), often conducted in co-ordination with regional and intergovernmental organizations.

6. In order to succeed, peacekeeping missions require clear mandates, effective command, political and financial support and the co-operation of the parties in conflict. Why have many missions failed?
Lack of items listed.

7. How does the United Nations Standby Arrangement System (UNSAS) work?
UNSAS, begun in 1994, comprises a growing list of personnel and resources that numerous governments have offered the UN on a conditional basis. Currently about 148,000 soldiers in 89 countries are involved. All governments have a right to say no on a case by case basis.

8. Describe a SHIRBRIG in 25 words or more.
The Standby High Readiness Brigade consists of about 5000 well-equipped soldiers provided by about 10 countries as a jumpstart force under Chapter VI operations for deployment in 15-30 days. Standardised training and operating procedures, familiar equipment, and joint exercises make the brigade 'the most realistic step towards a standing UN force'. (52 words)

9. In the year 2000, over $700 billion was spent on military activities by the nations of the world. Estimate the amount spent on UN peacekeeping operations in that year.
$2.6 billion

10. A recent international report sponsored by the Canadian Government calls for coercive military action in cases of potential large scale loss of life or ethnic cleansing. The report eschews the terminology 'right of humanitarian intervention' and replaces it with what phrase that is also the title of the report?
The Responsibility to Protect

11. What do Lester Pearson (1957), the Blue Berets (1988), and Kofi Annan/ United Nations (2001) have in common?
They all won the Nobel Peace Prize.

12. What proportion of Canadian troops deployed in peace operations missions abroad are NOT serving under UN command?
Answer: 80% (They are serving under NATO, not UN command)