Ireland, the United Nations and Peacekeeping Operations

The building and maintenance of a strong and effective UN forms a key objective of Irish foreign policy within which peacekeeping operations have come to play a central role. Ireland's tradition of active membership of the League of Nations and the UN, and the willingness to contribute professional soldiers, assisted in establishing a peacekeeping tradition. Furthermore, the effects of Ireland's policies at the UN, its history under colonial rule and non-membership of a military alliance, combined to make Ireland acceptable as a 'middle power' contributor to peacekeeping activities. For a country of its size and resources, the contribution to peacekeeping activities has been substantial. In 1993, Ireland agreed to contribute troops to UNOSOM II which brought about a fundamental change in policy, after which participation in enforcement operations was permitted. This marked a natural progression in Irish policy since the decision to contribute to ONUC in the 1960s, and it set a precedent which is now being followed by participation in SFOR.