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Peace Operations
Overview of the Evidence
Our research review includes 129 reports: 9 that address the effects of peace operations on mass atrocities and 124 that address the effects of peace operations on closely related outcomes, such as civilian killings, human rights violations, and conflict recurrence. It found the following:
- A mix of findings as to whether peace operations were effective in helping prevent mass atrocities or closely-related outcomes, and
- Relatively strong evidence on the association between several factors and greater effectiveness of peace operations in helping prevent mass atrocities.
- Design factors that were associated with peace operation success include having a high quantity of troops; a high level of commitment; international support or coordination; being unbiased; having clear policy objectives; being well-informed; and being implemented early in the conflict.
- One contextual factor—receiving cooperation or consent from the host country—was associated with peace operation success.
About Peace Operations
Definition
Peace operations are composed of “military and/or civilian personnel deployed by one or more third-party states, frequently but not necessarily under the auspices of a global or regional organization” (Mullenbach 2005, p. 529). The mandates and composition of peace operations can vary widely, from civilian observer missions to missions authorized to use military force to enforce the peace. Common goals include mitigating hostilities, restoring state authority, preventing recurrence of civil war, and/or achieving humanitarian goals, including the protection of civilians.
Theory of Change
If peace operations help prevent the outbreak or recurrence of armed conflict, they would reduce the likelihood of mass atrocities because armed conflict is the strongest risk factor for mass atrocities. In addition, if peace operations provide direct physical protection to civilian populations; defeat, detain, or degrade the capacity of atrocity perpetrators; and/or shift armed actors’ calculations of the costs and benefits of targeting civilians (e.g., by publicizing violations), they would reduce the likelihood or severity of mass atrocities.