International Peacekeeping In Lebanon

Dr. Ramesh Thakur's International Peacekeeping In Lebanon critiques the effectiveness of U.N. peacekeeping versus coercive military interventions, emphasizing the need for genuine neutrality.

In International Peacekeeping In Lebanon, Dr. Ramesh Thakur explores the complexities of U.N. peacekeeping efforts, particularly in the context of Lebanon. He critically examines the effectiveness of traditional peacekeeping under U.N. authority, contrasting it with the more aggressive tactics employed by the Multinational Force (MNF). Through this analysis, Thakur argues that the MNF's role, led by the U.S., cannot be justified as a responsible approach to maintaining international stability. Instead, the coalition's reliance on military power undermines the foundational principles of neutral peacekeeping.

The book highlights a pivotal moment when the legitimacy of the MNF was questioned, leading to a shift in its role from impartial peacekeeper to active participant in the conflict. This transformation, Thakur argues, illustrates a troubling trend where peacekeeping efforts become entangled with national interests, compromising the integrity of the mission. Each attempt to strengthen the MNF's mandate only served to further erode the concept of neutrality in peacekeeping endeavors.

Thakur concludes that for peacekeeping to be effective and not merely an extension of national self-interest, it must remain under the auspices of the U.N. The organization, he contends, is uniquely positioned to offer an authoritative framework for peacekeeping that aligns with international values, while the great powers must provide the necessary support to enforce these ideals. This insightful examination in International Peacekeeping In Lebanon challenges readers to reconsider the role of power dynamics in global peacekeeping efforts.