Preventive diplomacy between theory and practice

Abstract

This research provides a study and analysis of the nature of preventive diplomacy and its pivotal role as a key mechanism for the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. The study aimed to highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of preventive diplomacy in containing crises and averting international conflicts by analyzing its theoretical foundations and practical applications. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, the research explores the jurisprudential debate surrounding the concept of preventive diplomacy, which ranges from viewing it as synonymous with the peaceful settlement of disputes to considering it a broader concept that includes proactive measures such as early warning and fact-finding to prevent the outbreak of conflicts. The research also sheds light on its legal basis within the UN Charter, particularly the central role assigned to the Secretary-General under Article 99. The study reviews practical applications of preventive diplomacy, demonstrating its success in some international crises and its failure in others, such as the first Gulf War and the Rwandan tragedy, attributing these outcomes to significant challenges, most notably the lack of political will from influential powers and the organization's financial deficit. The research concludes that the effectiveness of preventive diplomacy is contingent upon reforming the United Nations system and enhancing its capacity for rapid response to crisis indicators and addressing the root causes of conflicts.