Crucial Technologies for the Protection of Civilians by UN Peace Operations
In: Global Governance: A Review of Multilateralism and International OrganizationsSearch for other papers by A. Walter Dorn in
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Abstract
To protect people under attack, what kinds of tools do peacekeepers need? The United Nations is gradually gaining valuable experience with sophisticated technologies for protection of civilians (POC). However, most remain underused and underevaluated, especially attack helicopters, night vision devices, and nonlethal weapons. This article presents case studies of these three crucial tools to examine their utility and to identify their shortcomings. Attack helicopters are demonstrated as a powerful through ironic symbol and an important means of robust peacekeeping in Central African Republic. Night vision devices proved essential for POC in protecting Haitians from gangs in 2007. Nonlethal weapons, like those developed on the spur of the moment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped the UN deal with civilian threats without recourse to lethal force. All these proven technologies have helped peace operations save lives and thus need detailed study to gain lessons. Some novel but untested technologies are also introduced, including laser signaling and digital simulation.
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| Abstract Views | 229 | 162 | 8 |
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Crucial Technologies for the Protection of Civilians by UN Peace Operations
In: Global Governance: A Review of Multilateralism and International OrganizationsSearch for other papers by A. Walter Dorn in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
To protect people under attack, what kinds of tools do peacekeepers need? The United Nations is gradually gaining valuable experience with sophisticated technologies for protection of civilians (POC). However, most remain underused and underevaluated, especially attack helicopters, night vision devices, and nonlethal weapons. This article presents case studies of these three crucial tools to examine their utility and to identify their shortcomings. Attack helicopters are demonstrated as a powerful through ironic symbol and an important means of robust peacekeeping in Central African Republic. Night vision devices proved essential for POC in protecting Haitians from gangs in 2007. Nonlethal weapons, like those developed on the spur of the moment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped the UN deal with civilian threats without recourse to lethal force. All these proven technologies have helped peace operations save lives and thus need detailed study to gain lessons. Some novel but untested technologies are also introduced, including laser signaling and digital simulation.
| All Time | Past Year | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 229 | 162 | 8 |
| Full Text Views | 137 | 11 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 243 | 26 | 1 |