Which of the following was/were the essence of the peace-building effo

Which of the following was/were the essence of the peace-building efforts of the United Nations from 1980s onwards?

  • 1. To resolve underlying disputes between the belligerents
  • 2. To monitor arms control agreements
  • 3. Providing development assistance to maintain peace

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
1 and 2
2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2012
The correct option is D, suggesting that monitoring arms control agreements and providing development assistance were the essence of UN peace-building efforts from the 1980s onwards.
UN peace-building efforts evolved from traditional peacekeeping to more comprehensive approaches aimed at preventing the recurrence of conflict. Key elements include addressing root causes, strengthening institutions, promoting reconciliation, and supporting economic recovery. The period “from 1980s onwards” marks a shift towards these multi-dimensional approaches.
Statement 1: “To resolve underlying disputes between the belligerents”. While creating an environment for dispute resolution is part of peacebuilding, direct ‘resolution’ is often the goal of conflict resolution or peacemaking, which precedes or runs parallel to peacebuilding. Peacebuilding focuses more on transforming relationships and strengthening capacities to *manage* future disputes peacefully by addressing root causes. This statement might be considered a goal supported by peacebuilding rather than its direct essence.
Statement 2: “To monitor arms control agreements”. This can be a component, especially in the context of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs, which are integral to post-conflict peacebuilding. It contributes to creating a secure environment.
Statement 3: “Providing development assistance to maintain peace”. This is a crucial aspect of peacebuilding, as economic revitalisation, poverty reduction, and equitable development are seen as essential for addressing root causes of conflict and building a sustainable peace.
Considering the options, and acknowledging the complexities of the term “essence”, Option D which includes development assistance (a widely accepted core element) and arms control monitoring (relevant, especially in the form of DDR-related monitoring), is presented as the correct answer in some contexts. The exclusion of “resolving underlying disputes” (Statement 1) from options combined with 3 is problematic, as addressing root causes/disputes is fundamental. However, if forced to choose based on typical interpretations in exams like UPSC, Statement 3 is definitely key, and Statement 2 (interpreted broadly to include post-conflict security arrangements like DDR monitoring) could be deemed more central than Statement 1 (interpreted as direct dispute resolution).