peacekeeping
The active preservation of peace, especially the supervision of a truce or ceasefire by international military forces.
Peacekeeping forces are typically neutral, lightly armed, and deployed only with the consent of the hostile parties. Their role is to monitor, prevent clashes, and protect civilians, rather than to fight an enemy.
Word relationships
- truce monitoring: Truce monitoring is a specific task within peacekeeping, whereas peacekeeping encompasses a broader range of activities, including protecting civilians and supporting political processes.
- warmongering: Warmongering is the active encouragement or advocacy of war and military conflict.
Commonly confused with
- peacebuilding: Peacekeeping focuses on maintaining physical security and preventing violence in the short term; peacebuilding involves long-term efforts to address the root causes of conflict and rebuild society.
Word family
- peacekeeper (noun): A person, especially a soldier, who is part of a peacekeeping force.
Collocations
- peacekeeping forces
- peacekeeping mission
- UN peacekeeping
- peacekeeping operations
Example sentences
- "Peacekeeping is not a job for soldiers, but only soldiers can do it." A famous quote by a UN Secretary-General on the nature of peace missions.
- "The UN peacekeeping mission was extended for another year to ensure stability during the upcoming democratic elections." A news report on international deployments.
Memory hook
It is a literal description: 'keeping' (holding onto, maintaining) the 'peace.' Peace-keeping: Keeping the peace alive on the ground.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'peace enforcement,' which involves using active military force to compel combatants to stop fighting.
Fun facts
- UN peacekeepers are famously known as 'Blue Helmets' or 'Blue Berets' because of the distinctive light blue headgear they wear to ensure they are easily recognized as neutral forces.
Also appears in
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