United Nations peacekeeping and the nexus between conflict settlement and conflict resolution : a comparative case study of UN peacekeeping in Cyprus and Cambodia

The two major approaches to conflict analysis, conflict settlement and conflict resolution, are identified in the literature as contrasting methodologies of third party intervention. The proponents of the conflict settlement approach criticise the other approach for its impracticality, whereas the advocates of the conflict resolution approach maintain that their efforts are undermined by the very method used by the other approach. Accordingly, UN peacekeeping (a conflict settlement tool) is often regarded as an impediment to conflict resolution in the literature. Nevertheless, this study argues that each approach has a complementary role to play in the overall peace process, and that the key to successful conflict resolution is indeed to find a happy combination of the two approaches in which the various intermediary efforts can demonstrate their full potential. Based on this assumption, the study suggests that under a ripe moment and by performing an appropriate set of functions UN peacekeeping can serve as the nexus between conflict settlement and conflict resolution. To demonstrate this, two exemplifying cases of UN peacekeeping are examined using the notion of timing and function contingencies as a theoretical framework. The case studies highlight the importance of maintaining coherent and complementary relationship among peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding in peace processes. In fact, the study argues that multi-function peacekeeping can provide a nifty framework within which the various intermediary efforts can be co-ordinated, and raise the prospect of turning UN peacekeeping into a stepping-stone to conflict resolution. The study concludes that when a UN peacekeeping operation fulfils successfully the transition assistance functions it can nurture the complex transition from conflict settlement to conflict resolution. On the other hand, when it fails to implement these functions, its presence tends to consolidate the settlement and keep the parties apart, as a result, making it an impediment to conflict resolution.