THE CONTEXT:
As the Russia-Ukraine war approaches a fragile ceasefire following maritime and energy truces brokered in Riyadh, the question of post-conflict stability has gained urgency. Western proposals for a European-led peacekeeping force face geopolitical hurdles, while the Global South—nations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—emerges as a neutral, credible alternative under UN auspices. This shift reflects broader power dynamics in multilateral governance and India’s evolving role as a global leader.
THE BACKGROUND:
The conflict, beginning in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, led to extensive geopolitical and humanitarian crises. Numerous diplomatic negotiations, predominantly Western-led, have failed to provide lasting peace. The recent initiatives, supported by former U.S. President Trump’s administration, seek to stabilize the volatile region.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:
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- Realpolitik and Balance of Power: Geopolitical ambitions of NATO vs Russian national security concerns.
- Multilateralism and Neutrality: Effectiveness of neutral actors in mediating peace.
- Conflict Resolution Theories: Examining Track II diplomacy and United Nations Peacekeeping principles.
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CURRENT SCENARIO:
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- Recent Developments: Maritime and energy truces successfully negotiated in Riyadh.
- European-led Peacekeeping Proposal: Suggested by leaders such as President Emmanuel Macron (France) and PM Keir Starmer (UK), this proposal is encountering strong opposition from Russia due to NATO implications.
- Global South Initiative: Emerging as a viable neutral alternative due to impartial positions adopted by nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
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INDIAN CONTEXT:
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- Historical Role in Peacekeeping: India’s extensive UN peacekeeping history with over 2,90,000 personnel contributed, participating in more than 50 missions.
- India’s Diplomatic Approach: Maintained neutrality—demonstrated by PM Modi’s diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine.
- Government Perspective (MEA Reports): Reiterates India’s adherence to diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Current Indian Contributions: Over 5,000 active Indian peacekeepers in various ongoing UN missions.
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GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE:
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- Shift in Global Order: Increasing voice of the Global South, symbolized by BRICS and AU, signaling changing power dynamics in global governance.
- China’s Proactive Diplomacy: Appointment of a special envoy, highlighting China’s assertive global diplomatic strategy.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF A GLOBAL SOUTH-LED MISSION
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- Neutrality and Credibility: Unbiased actors provide greater assurance of fairness to conflicting parties.
- Enhancing Global South’s Influence: Opportunity to demonstrate diplomatic maturity, operational effectiveness, and ethical leadership.
- Inclusion of Women Peacekeepers: Proven to improve community relations, reduce gender violence, and ensure inclusive peace.
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IMPLICATIONS FOR GOVERNANCE
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- UN Role Reinforcement: Strengthening the UN’s image and capacity to mediate complex global conflicts.
- Governance in Conflict Zones: Opportunities for institutional building and effective governance models post-conflict.
- Emergence of Multi-polar Governance Structures: Highlighting a decentralization from Western-centric international politics.
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THE WAY FORWARD:
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- Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement: Meticulous negotiation involving key stakeholders to define operational terms.
- Robust UN Mandate: Securing UNSC authorization, outlining clear peacekeeping responsibilities and rules of engagement.
- Financial and Logistical Cooperation: Active participation from developed nations, notably the EU, ensuring adequate resources and logistical support.
- Gender-inclusive Peacekeeping: Following India’s Liberia model, deploying female peacekeepers to address community-level issues effectively.
- Diplomatic Initiatives by Global South: Active diplomacy from countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa, asserting Global South’s leadership and neutrality.
- Hybrid Peacekeeping Model: Combining peace enforcement, humanitarian support, and post-conflict reconstruction for durable peace.
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- International Diplomatic Forums: Creating permanent dialogue mechanisms involving neutral countries to prevent future escalations.
- Regional Stability Pact: Broader regional agreement involving Russia, Ukraine, and neighboring European countries guaranteeing non-aggression and cooperative frameworks.
- Civil Society Engagement: Enhancing roles of civil society organizations in reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.
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THE CONCLUSION:
The Ukraine peacekeeping debate is a microcosm of a multipolar world order. For India, leading a Global South coalition offers a transformative opportunity to cement its role as a Vishwaguru—a teacher to the world—while advancing equitable global governance. Success hinges on reconciling neutrality with proactive diplomacy, ensuring the UN remains relevant in an era of strategic fragmentation.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. 2022
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
In the context of the ongoing Ukraine- Russia conflict, analyze the potential and challenges of a Global South-led UN peacekeeping initiative. Discuss India’s possible role, highlighting the implications for global governance and India’s diplomatic stature.
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