Date and time: 7 September 2018, 10:00 – 15:30

Venue: tbc, London

The BISA Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Associate Working Group, in partnership with RUSI and UNA-UK, are organising a one-day workshop which will examine the United Kingdom’s relationship with United Nations peace operations. It takes as its starting point the broader question of the role of multilateral institutions in UK foreign and defence policy after the UK formally leaves the EU and seeks to better identify and understand the role of peace operations within the framework of ‘Global Britain’ agenda. In particular, it will offer perspectives on how different forms of engagement to UN peace operations will support the UK Government’s commitment to supporting a ‘rules-based international system’. It will also make a valuable contribution to more focused policy discussions pertaining to how the UK commits to UN operations, what the commitment looks like, and what opportunities and challenges exist in the varying ways in which the UK can approach UN operations. The workshop will provide a mix of academic and policy perspectives to questions of UK foreign and defence policy, and the role that UN peace operations play within it. It aims to strengthen future policymaking regarding UK approaches to peace operations, as well as build ties between those engaged in academic research on the topic and those working in the policy field.

Key themes discussed will include:

  • Macro-level questions on the role of the UN in Global Britain, and the different political approaches to the UN within UK political parties.
  • Challenges and opportunities of contemporary UN Peace operations. Where can UK be engaged?
    • Women, Peace and Security agenda
    • Protection of Civilians
    • Niche contributions
    • UK’s political role in the UN Security Council

How to apply

If you would like to attend, please send an email to the BISA Working group convenors at bisapeacekeeping@gmail.com, stating the areas of discussion you believe you are able to contribute to, and providing a short biography.

There are limited spaces available. The closing date is: Friday 24 August 2018.

Please note, we are unable to fund participants’ travel/accommodation, although lunch and refreshments will be provided. Participants will need to join the BISA Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding working group before attending the workshop.