Resources: Talking point - What role do peacekeepers provide?

Talk about the principles of neutral international peacekeeping. Can anything stop warring factions who are determined to keep fighting?

Strictly speaking, peacekeepers only operate once a peace treaty has been signed. If they are there to impose peace, they are peace enforcers.

Would an international force in Lebanon with the job of disarming the militant Shiite Muslim group Hezbollah be peacekeeping or peace enforcing?

Or would it be an army of occupation? Talk about the distinctions.

Even when both sides agree a ceasefire, there is some danger to peacekeepers.

Talk about how stressful it can be to be attacked while trying to keep the peace. How would young people react if they were peacekeepers who were fired on? The UN Security Council can take action to maintain international peace and security - but there is no UN army. Soldiers are provided from different countries' armies and operate under UN control. Would it be better to have a force specially designed to keep the peace?