Why wealthy "peacekeeping nations" are rejecting UN missions

Summary

The transcript discusses the shift in global peacekeeping efforts, where wealthier nations, once leaders in peacekeeping, have reduced their involvement, leaving poorer countries to take on more responsibility. Canada, which was once a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, now provides only a small fraction of personnel. Countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Nepal, though among the poorest, have stepped in to fill the gap, often for both altruistic and financial reasons. This shift has raised concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of peacekeeping operations, as poorer nations face the brunt of the risks and casualties in complex conflict zones like Mali.

Takeaways

• 😀 250 Canadians have joined the United Nations mission in Mali, one of the UN's deadliest operations, which has seen over 170 peacekeepers killed.
• 😀 The world's poorest countries are shouldering most of the responsibility and casualties in peacekeeping missions, particularly in places like Mali.
• 😀 Historically, wealthier countries, including Canada, led the way in peacekeeping, but this has changed significantly over time.
• 😀 Canada played a major role in the early days of UN peacekeeping, even earning the Nobel Peace Prize for Lester B. Pearson's efforts during the Suez Crisis in 1956.
• 😀 By the early 1990s, Canada was a leading peacekeeping nation, but by 2018, their contribution had dwindled to only 41 troops, a significant decrease.
• 😀 Western countries, including Canada, have become increasingly reluctant to participate in large UN peacekeeping missions, often due to concerns about casualties.
• 😀 Poorer countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Nepal now provide the most peacekeepers, despite having lower GDPs, in part because of the financial incentives.
• 😀 Peacekeepers are paid about 1,800 Canadian dollars per month, but this money typically goes to the peacekeeper's home country, not directly to the individuals.
• 😀 Many countries are financially dependent on the funds they receive from contributing to UN peacekeeping missions, which incentivizes their participation despite the risks.
• 😀 Peacekeepers from poorer countries often face poorly equipped and trained personnel, being sent into complex and dangerous conflict zones where peace is difficult to maintain.
• 😀 Canada's contribution to the Mali mission will last for one year, but the conflict is expected to persist, with many poor countries continuing to pay the price in terms of casualties.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the United Nations mission in Mali?

The UN mission in Mali focuses on peacekeeping in a region facing intense conflict, including battles between over 20 different rebel groups. It is the UN's deadliest operation since its inception five years ago.

Why are poorer countries playing a larger role in UN peacekeeping operations?

Wealthier countries have become increasingly reluctant to engage in large UN peacekeeping missions due to the risk of casualties. As a result, poorer countries, such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Nepal, are stepping up, often for both altruistic and financial reasons.

How did Canada historically contribute to UN peacekeeping missions?

Canada was a leader in UN peacekeeping, with a prominent role during the Suez Crisis in 1956. It remained a top contributor during the Cold War and into the 1990s. At its peak in the early 90s, Canada provided over 3,000 troops.

What caused Canada’s decline in peacekeeping contributions?

Canada’s contribution to peacekeeping missions dramatically declined in the years following the 1990s. By 2018, only 41 Canadian troops were involved in peacekeeping. This was due to the country’s reluctance to risk casualties and the shifting global priorities away from large-scale peacekeeping missions.

What financial incentives do poorer countries have for participating in peacekeeping operations?

Poorer countries receive approximately 1,800 Canadian dollars per peacekeeper per month from the UN, which goes to their national government. For many of these countries, this financial support is crucial to their economy and thus, they are eager to contribute to peacekeeping operations.

What is the problem with peacekeepers from poorer countries in Mali and other conflict zones?

While countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Nepal contribute large numbers of peacekeepers, these personnel are often poorly trained and equipped to deal with the increasingly complex conflicts they face, such as in Mali, where there are numerous rebel factions.

Why are peacekeepers sometimes placed in situations where there is no peace to keep?

Peacekeepers are often deployed in regions where violent conflict persists, and there is no established peace to maintain. This makes their mission extremely difficult and increases the risk of casualties, as seen in Mali where multiple rebel groups are fighting for control.

How does the situation in Mali reflect a broader trend in global peacekeeping?

The situation in Mali reflects the growing trend where poorer countries are taking on the majority of peacekeeping responsibilities, while wealthier nations have become less involved due to the increasing risks and costs associated with peacekeeping missions.

What was the peak of Canada's peacekeeping involvement in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, particularly following the Rwandan genocide, Canada had over 3,000 troops involved in peacekeeping, making it one of the top contributors to such missions worldwide.

What is the current state of Canada's involvement in peacekeeping?

Canada’s contribution to UN peacekeeping has sharply declined. In 2018, the country had only 41 troops involved in peacekeeping missions, a significant drop from its peak in the early 90s. The recent deployment of 250 Canadian troops to Mali represents a small fraction of the mission's total personnel.