Challenges and Achievements of the UN in Preventing Armed Conflicts in the 21st Century

Abstract

The 21st Century has presented the United Nations (UN) with major challenges in deterring armed conflicts following the shifting threats in the world, geopolitical tensions, and the emergence of non-state actors. The complicated crisis in Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine has revealed the constraints of consensus in the Security Council and, in particular, among permanent members. Nonetheless, the UN has recorded some significant achievements in the form of diplomatic interventions, peacekeeping operations, and preventive diplomacy despite such challenges. The activity in places such as West Africa and the Balkans has served to de-escalate the situation, as well as aid post-conflict recovery. Other programs, such as the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and sustainable development programs, are also meant to tackle the root causes of conflict. Nevertheless, political divisions, lack of funds, and enforcement of mandates continue to cripple the effectiveness of the UN. The key is to strengthen multilateral collaboration and the restructuring of decision-making to improve its role in future conflict prevention. In general, despite the achievements, the UN needs to evolve to be a reliable agent of international peace.