From reaction to conflict prevention : Opportunities for the UN system

Conflict prevention is much discussed at the United Nations and elsewhere but, sadly, little practiced. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that more of it would be a very good thing, particularly for a world organization sagging under the strain of multiple complex peace operations supported restlessly by sometimes unreliable funders. Sweden has long been preoccupied with the peaceful settlement of disputes and with techniques for conflict management. In recent years, its government's attention has turned to conflict prevention, with a particular focus on preventive diplomatic and related approaches to short-term crisis management that attempt to forestall full-blown conflict. Jan Eliasson, recently state secretary general of the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs, having observed the United Nations from the inside, knew of the UN's potential in this area as well as its constraints on effective action. He knew that the challenge of moving from reaction to prevention would not be easy to overcome on the East River. With admirable confederates Anders Bjuner and Ragnar Angeby, Jan urged the International Peace Academy (IPA) to tackle the barriers to effective conflict prevention.