Should the United Nations have a Standing Army?

Some argue that the UN Peacekeeping forces are crucial to manage crisis such as civil wars and protect the human rights of innocent civilians during times of war and conflict.

Readiness - In escalating conflicts the UN can efficiently mobilise and send peacekeepers from different countries. For example, UN quickly sent Peacekeepers to Southern Lebanon following the escalation of the Middle East conflict after Israel’s bombing campaign in Lebanon recently. 

Deterring human rights violations - The presence of a UN army protects communities from oppression and human rights violations by oppressive regimes and terrorist organisations. For example, the UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali helped to deter many human rights abuses in the past decade, although peacekeepers only withdrew troops from Mali in July this year. 

The presence of a UN army protects communities from oppression and human rights violations by oppressive regimes and terrorist organisations.

Crisis response - In key moments of crisis and conflict, the UN seeks to protect innocent civilians by ensuring they get access to refuge, safety and aid. For example, the UN military has established peacekeeping and protection sites for displaced Sudanese civilians in the wake of the civil war in Sudan in 2023.

Some also argue that the UN Peacekeeping forces are not necessary because it only adds another layer to the conflict along with involving countries with their troops that have nothing to do with certain conflicts.

Forced tensions - A standing army for the UN may force countries to send troops into wars they don’t want to be involved in. Other IGOs are already set up to provide military assistance and potential intervention, such as NATO. 

Lack of cohesive goals - Due to the power given to permanent members of the Security Council, it is unlikely that any military action would be fully agreed upon without a veto. For example, if the UN wanted to interfere in Ukraine, it could be assumed that Russia would veto any military action.

NATO expansion right up to the Russian border will be perceived as a threat by Moscow.

Resources - A UN standing army would have to have a much greater number of troops for their purposes. In a similar manner, NATO used 50,000 NATO troops to keep Kosovo peaceful. Further, the funding needed for an army would require a severe increase in each country’s financial contribution, which is already a large area of debate.