ABSTRACT
Peacekeeping is the use of troops to ensure the implementation of peace agreements. It is not, however, a collective security enforcement tool. Peacekeeping missions operate on the principles of consent, neutrality, and self-defense. Enforcing collective security rules does not require consent, it identifies violators of global rules, and it punishes those violators. The Council must decide whether to adopt a neutral peacekeeping approach or a coercive collective security approach for every crisis on its agenda. The Council generally authorizes peacekeeping missions when the relevant parties agree that a third party will help resolve their conflict. The more difficult decision is whether to escalate peacekeeping missions into collective security operations when local parties renege on their commitment to implement peace agreements.
