The Uruguayan Armed Forces and the Challenge of 21st Century Peacekeeping Operations
Abstract
This thesis presents an analysis of the past and current political and military situation in Uruguay, and an assessment of the environment in the Southern Cone of Latin America in light of the current leftist regimes in power in that region. It also raises the question of whether or not to deploy troops in future UN Chapter VII peacekeeping operations. All countries in the Southern Cone of Latin America are involved in the current UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti. Resolving this debate is essential insofar as it might affect the region's traditional role as a peacekeeping troop "supplier." This thesis argues that Uruguay should commit its Armed Forces to a broader spectrum of peacekeeping missions, including UN Chapter VII operations. This is consistent with Uruguay's foreign policy principles of preventive diplomacy and peaceful resolution of controversies, and would not violate the principle of nonintervention as long as military intervention takes place for "humanitarian reasons." The current leftist government in Uruguay would also spread its ideal of international solidarity, and improve both the image of the country and domestic civil-military relations. The military would be able to train in a realistic conflict environment, upgrade its equipment and improve the economic well-being of its personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA443118
Entities
People
- Eduardo Ulery
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School