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Introduction
The end of the Cold War led to vastly reduced tensions between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Yet the new era has been marked by the rise of ethnic and religious disputes, as well as tendencies to resort to unilateral and isolationist measures. Such an ongoing tumult of change necessitates that traditional policies be seriously reconsidered and, perhaps, drastically re-evaluated. Old ways of thinking no longer apply to the world we live in. As a country that has historically proposed new ways of thinking about international security,(f.1) Canada is well placed to help usher in new approaches. This article suggests some strategies that Canada could pursue while it is a member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council over the next 18 months.(f.2)
Canada's Approach at the UN Toward Peacekeeping
Enhance Canada's Peacekeeping Reputation:
Canada's peacekeeping role through the UN is justifiably a great source of national pride for Canadians. In the past, peacekeeping helped develop a positive reputation for Canada. It also distinguished Canadians from Americans, who until recently did not participate in peacekeeping operations. Peacekeeping allowed Canada to assert an independent role in the international arena and came to reflect distinctively Canadian values. "Canadians have always seen peacekeeping as an important part of their identity and of their country's position on the international stage, even when peacekeeping meant little to much of the international community."(f.3)
Yet during the 1990s, peacekeeping became the subject of an unrelenting cross-examination by the media and the public. It became difficult to perceive Canadian peacekeepers as heroes in situations -- especially with the revelation of the murder of a Somali teen in a Canadian camp. The Liberal government under Prime Minister Jean Chretien can be faulted for having failed to get to the bottom of the imbroglio. Complicating matters further, the reputation of some members of the Department of National Defence (DND) was marred and some were accused of a cover-up. Moreover, former defence minister Doug Young abruptly ended an inquiry the Liberals themselves had established. What could the government do to improve the Canadian Forces' approach to peacekeeping, and thus enhance Canada's reputation at the UN Security Council for peacekeeping?
- The Canadian Forces' preparations for peacekeeping are insufficient and ad hoc....