Defence Forces Review 2008

‘New’ versus ‘No’ World Order
continues to be the acme of international legitimacy. Any attempt to create a ‘new world
order’ cannot afford to ignore it without risking new grounds for conflict. When the major
powers sidelined the League of Nations in the 1930s the world slipped inexorably towards
global war. It is imperative therefore that the quest for a ‘new world order’ does not produce
‘no world order.’
For logistical, operational and regional sensitivities other organisations will also continue to
play important roles in conflict resolution. Some times they will take the lead in missions or
provide an element of a hybrid conflict resolution mechanism such as those established for
Kosovo and East Timor. However they are unlikely to usurp the UN’s special position in
international affairs. Ireland (and the Defence Forces) will have to continue to engage with
the activities of all of these organisations if it wishes to have its voice heard and if it wishes to
pursue the collective security values enshrined in both Foreign and Defence Policy.
The author would like to acknowledge Colonel Bernard Donagh, Military Advisor to the
Irish Delegation to the OSCE, for his assistance with this paper.
Fo o t n o t e s
1
The proposed Irish participation in a European mission to Macedonia in 2003 was stymied when China vetoed the
required UNSCR due to a dispute with Macedonia over its recognition of Taiwan.
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