Opportunities for the Colombian Military in multidimensional peacekeeping operations

Abstract

Faced with possible reductions in defense expenditures inherent in “post-conflict” periods, the Military Forces must seek sustainability alternatives in the immediate future to guarantee the maintenance of their equipment and the labor stability of their personnel. These cuts may force them to migrate to other activities, losing the long-standing high investments made by the State in training and equipment. One of these alternatives is the Colombian Military Forces’ participation in UN multidimensional peacekeeping operations (PKOs). Given their extensive experience in internal armed conflicts, they can provide backing in tasks such as the creation of governance institutions, and human rights monitoring, as well as the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of combatants, among others.