Remaining Seized of the Matter: Un Resolutions and Peace Implementation

Abstract

How can the United Nations support peace implementation efforts following civil conflict? Prior research shows that third parties can use a variety of conflict management approaches to prevent civil war recurrence and that peace agreement implementation improves peace duration and quality. However, little research connects these two aspects of postwar peace. We argue that United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions are an important tool that can be quickly used to support the peace. These resolutions can shame parties who do not comply with the agreement, deploy and coordinate resources needed for implementation, and empower local actors in postwar settings. Using implementation data for thirty-four Comprehensive Peace Agreements (CPAs) since 1989, as well as new data on the targets and language of UNSC resolutions, we show that language in a resolution that names and shames actors, connects stakeholders, or marshals resources is associated with better compliance with a CPA.