(Originally published in Volume III — Number 2)
Quincy Wright
Abstract: The problems of conflict resolution and peace maintenance depend on the great powers relying on international agencies to maintain and develop international law, rather than a system of diplomacy, power politics, and mutual deference. A permanent and more centralized UN peace-keeping force would increase global stability but decrease the independence of states. However, if diplomacy fails, states should accept limitations on national sovereignty to permit third party decision of international disputes in order to effectively achieve a peaceful world order. The UN peace-keeping forces have overall been successful at de-escalating conflicts despite obstacles presented by states, including: ambiguity regarding whether members are obligated to pay for peace-keeping forces or if contributions are voluntary; unclear guidelines about when peace-keeping forces can be used; conditionality’s of the states providing contingents; and concerns of the states in which contingents function.
Key words: United Nations, Peace-keeping forces, Congo, Korea, collective security
