a guide to peace support operations - The Watson Institute for ...

military action that results. Before 1996, there have been relatively few instances
of successful high-level deployment.
The UN (or coalition’s) military element may be up to one hundred times larger
in strength and commensurably much more capable than a low-level response.
Initially, the operational environment and plan will be dominated by military
considerations. But the overall objective may be complex and politically influenced
so that a purely military solution is inappropriate. As far as possible the UN
military element should continue to operate within the principles of peacekeeping,
maintaining its impartiality, acting with local support, and using only the
minimum force necessary. The distinction between a high-level deployment and
the low- and mid-levels is that in this case, because it is so much stronger, the
international force can, if it chooses, override peacekeeping principles and
impose tactical conditions. By deploying in overwhelming strength, the likelihood
of a confrontation by local bands or armed factions is reduced.
The authority of the host state may be vested in an interim administration
empowered under an emergency regulation. The movement and activity of
civilian relief organizations also can be regulated by emergency powers. However,
once security is restored to a workable level, the importance and influence
of the military element is reduced, their role subordinated to a long-term process
of national restoration, elections, and rehabilitation of armed elements.
17. Principles for Peace Support Operations
In PSO, especially peacekeeping operations, the degree of consent both within the
host state at the operational level and at a much higher level regionally and globally will
influence the selection of the appropriate response level and its conduct. This also dictates
the nature of the mandate.
a. The principles which generally apply to all aspects of a PSO are: clearly defined
objectives, unity of effort, political awareness, legitimate conduct, and security.
b. The principles more specifically applicable to low- and mid-level (peacekeeping)
responses are: consent, impartiality, minimum use of force, transparency, and
mutual respect.
18. General principles
The following principles apply to all peace support operations:
a. Clearly Defined Objectives
Part I, paragraphs 16-18
A clearly defined and attainable objective or end point is essential for success.
These should be described in the operational mandate and must include a
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