This Analysis is the third part of a mini-series devoted to military identity. It focuses on the conceptualisation of a “peacekeeper”. The main context which shapes this type of military identity are widely understood peace-support operations. Typically, in this type of involvement, the armed forces perform non-kinetic tasks or even policing, including, among others, patrolling, monitoring ceasefires, supporting humanitarian activities and the reconstruction of a country, as well as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants. The "peacekeeper" identity, formed under such conditions, is therefore based on such norms and values as respect for human life and dignity, respect for human rights, understanding of cultural diversity, and a certain degree of restraint, especially with regard to the use of force.
KBN Analysis no. 10 (105) / 2022
31 March 2022
This Analysis is the third part of a mini-series devoted to military identity. It focuses on the conceptualisation of a “peacekeeper”. The main context which shapes this type of military identity are widely understood peace-support operations. Typically, in this type of involvement, the armed forces perform non-kinetic tasks or even policing, including, among others, patrolling, monitoring ceasefires, supporting humanitarian activities and the reconstruction of a country, as well as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants. The "peacekeeper" identity, formed under such conditions, is therefore based on such norms and values as respect for human life and dignity, respect for human rights, understanding of cultural diversity, and a certain degree of restraint, especially with regard to the use of force.
Among the units that emphasise the elements of the "peacekeeper" identity is the Italian unit of Alpini. In this Analysis, we will look at the extent to which the Alpini fit into the archetypal concept of the "peacekeeper" and how they differ from another type of military identity, i.e. the "warrior".
Picture credit: Bibliothèque nationale de France (public domain)