Venus in arms

  • Home
  • About
    • Fabrizio Coticchia
    • Francesco N. Moro
  • Publications
  • Research
  • Links
  • Contacts

Rising Dragon, Crawling Donkey: China’s and Italy’s Role in Contemporary Peacekeeping

20 May 2014 by ViA 59 Comments

Guest Post by Emanuele Sommario*

dragon

Warning: what follows is an exercise in shameless self promotion. Many thanks to the editors of this blog for having allowed me to indulge in it.

A few days back, another post on this blog reminded us of the swift rise of China as the world’s prime economy.  China’s astonishing economic growth and its diplomatic activism are already reshaping  the international system, and the coming decades will witness an even greater increase in its power and influence. Yet, as pointed out by G. John Ikenberry, China’s ascendance is taking place within an international order that is able to accommodate the rise of new powers, as it characterized by strong rules and institutions. Beijing appears to be working within, rather than outside of, the existing order and one of the most glaring manifestations of this trend is its increasing participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations (UN PKOs).

Chinese peacekeeping has undergone a significant evolution. From a firm opposition to join peace operations (in line with Maoist China’s philosophy of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other nations) since the end of the Cold War Beijing has become the major contributor of troops to UN PKOs among the permanent members of the Security Council.

Italy, on its part, has always been a strong advocate of the multilateral approach, in particular in the realm of conflict prevention and crisis resolution were it played a important role by joining and supporting stabilisation interventions and post-conflict rehabilitation efforts. Rome has offered its steady engagement from the very beginning of the history of UN PKOs. However, more recently, it has partially shifted its commitment towards operations organized by regional organizations or by ad hoc “coalitions of the willing”. Through the decades, Italy developed such a wealth of expertise and authority that, nowadays, an “Italian way of peacekeeping” is said to exist.

Together with Andrea de Guttry and Zhu Lijiang we thought it would be interesting to study and contrast the role and approach of these two countries to peacekeeping, and to asses the legitimacy of their aspirations to become (and remain) credible global security actors. To do so, we sought to bring together academics from different disciplines (international relations, history, sociology, gender studies, law) and other experts who could contribute in drawing an accurate picture of the drivers that underpin China’s and Italy’s engagement in UN PKOs and other international military endeavors.

The first outcome of the research was an international conference organized in Pisa in June 2012, featuring not only academics and practitioners but also high-ranking representatives from the political, diplomatic and military milieus of both countries. The speakers greatly benefited of the comments and feedback received, and went on to draft the chapters of what has become an edited collection of essays that was recently published with the title “China’s and Italy’s Participation in Peacekeeping Operations – Existing Models, Emerging Challenges” (Lexington Books, 2014).

The book is divided into three parts, which are preceded by a foreword by Romano Prodi, Chairman of the UN-AU Panel for Peacekeeping in Africa and former UN Special Envoy for the Sahel. Part I sets the scene for comparing Italy’s and China’s contributions to PKOs by providing a picture of the facts, figures, drivers and motivations behind their engagement. In the first two chapters, an account is offered of the trends, priorities and main features of Italian and Chinese participation in peace operations. The next chapter examines from an historical perspective the factors that might explain Italy’s wide involvement in PKOs, and the political consensus that has always surrounded these missions, tracing them back to some of the main features of Italian the culture and political tradition. A similar analysis is performed with respect to China in chapter 4, where the author maintains that the Confucian concept of He (harmony), the open social mentality and the sense of responsibility that inform Chinese culture are among the socio-cultural factors explaining the country’s participation in PKOs. The book then looks at the personal motivations underpinning the choice to serve in peace operations. The author shows that value-driven as well as materialistic and self-oriented motivations do all play a decisive role in prompting individual soldiers to deploy. The last two chapters of this part explain the procedures followed by Chinese and Italian authorities in deciding whether national contingents should be dispatched to a specific mission, highlighting the differences between the parliamentary dynamics prevailing in Italy and the central role played by the government and by the Communist Party in China’s decision-making processes.

Part II addresses recent developments in PKOs – with a special focus on the training of the military and civilian component – as well as certain specific challenges and changes in PKOs to which China and Italy are trying to react. Chapter 8 presents the different attitudes of Rome and Beijing towards regional PKOs. While divergent views exist on the expediency of such missions, the author concludes that disagreement is more apparent than real and that it might completely fade away in the near future.  The book then explores the extent of the two countries’ support to the African Union Peace and Security System, and attempts to highlight their respective strategies and objectives. Italy and China both have relevant interests in the African continent and are playing an important role in the reshaping of Africa’s security landscape. Chapter 10 discusses Italy’s and China’s efforts in mainstreaming gender and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in their operations. To do so, several indicators are taken into account, such as gender balance in staffing, the extent to which prevention of SEA is reflected in the two countries’ military codes of conduct. Their analysis reveals that both Italy and China are lagging behind in this area.

Turning to the issue of training, a chapter by Umberto Rocca – former Director of the Centre of Excellence for Stability Police Units – describes the origins and development of the training centre he was in charge of, which is tasked with instructing and preparing Italian and foreign police forces for deployment in international crisis management missions. In the same vein, a senior officer of the European Union’s Crisis Management and Planning Directorate then illustrates what strategies and programmes the EU has developed to train the civilian component of its crisis management operations. Chapter 14 focuses one specific type of military mission which has seen Italy and China join forces over recent years, namely the fight against piracy off the Horn of Africa. The author reminds us of the efforts the two countries have devoted to tackling this phenomenon, while also explaining the legal and political constraints they faced in carrying out counter-piracy operations.

Part III sheds light on certain legal and political aspects connected to the deployment of national contingents in PKOs. The first two chapters look at the Italian and Chinese domestic legal frameworks for the prosecution of crimes committed by peacekeepers while on mission, analyzing their development and shortcomings. Moving from a domestic to a comparative law perspective, the next chapter offers an assessment of the involvement of national parliaments in the decision-making on the deployment of military troops abroad, based on a comparison between five European States. Noting that there is a substantial variety of constitutional rules and practices, the author contends that the growing importance of international military cooperation will fundamentally change the balance between government and parliament to the detriment of the latter.

The last two chapters are devoted to the current international legal framework regulating individual and State responsibility for the unlawful conduct of peacekeepers. Chapter 18 discusses the scope and limits of the immunity that military or civilian members of a PKO may enjoy from the criminal jurisdiction of the host State and offers a review of alternative options that could be pursued in order to bring the perpetrators of serious crimes to justice. The final chapter deals with the allocation of international responsibility for the unlawful conduct of UN peacekeepers.  It contains a perusal of the recent jurisprudence of national and international tribunals to find that the decisive element to impute responsibility to the troop contributing State, the UN or to both is which entity exercised effective control over the unlawful conduct.

In sum, the volume looks at the specific experiences of Italy and China to compare them and to understand how and why foreign powers intervene in the name of peace. At the same time, it tries to provide the reader with an understanding of some of the foremost developments and challenges that international peace missions are currently facing. After all, the behavior of different actors can only be properly appreciated with full knowledge of the processes and dynamics that characterize contemporary peacekeeping scenarios.

*Emanuele Sommario is Assistant Professor of International Law, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (Pisa), and co-editor of the book: “China’s and Italy’s Participation in Peacekeeping Operations – Existing Models, Emerging Challenges” (Lexington Books, 2014).

Share Button

Filed Under: Contemporary warfare, Defense in Europe, Italian military operations abroad Tagged With: China, DPKO, Italian Defense, Lexington, Peacekeeping, Prodi, United Nations

Comments

  1. http://nepalsherpasig.fr/mcinex.html says

    6 January 2015 at 07:23

    when you stage is for certain, You will even so the little you may be of exactly what is reasonable wedding day money glaciers boots to select from.

    Reply
  2. cheap coach hire derbyshire says

    7 March 2015 at 10:44

    five

    Reply
    • Cubacaliente says

      27 March 2015 at 09:39

      Yeah, I agree. Don’t change your GBP to Euros. I mean, do so as neeedd of course when you’re in Italy, but not all at once right now. Was this answer helpful?

      Reply
    • insurance car says

      7 April 2015 at 17:54

      Kudos to you! I hadn’t thought of that!

      Reply
    • Virginia auto insurance qoutes says

      8 April 2015 at 07:37

      Insights like this liven things up around here.

      Reply
    • Alabama auto insurance qoutes says

      8 April 2015 at 13:20

      Deadly accurate answer. You’ve hit the bullseye!

      Reply
    • auto insurance quotes in New Jersey says

      16 April 2015 at 16:02

      Finding this post. It’s just a big piece of luck for me.

      Reply
    • cheap auto insurance in PA says

      17 April 2015 at 18:33

      Finding this post. It’s just a big piece of luck for me.

      Reply
    • cialis online says

      19 April 2015 at 22:17

      I’m not worthy to be in the same forum. ROTFL

      Reply
    • cheap car insurance quotes says

      20 April 2015 at 15:27

      THX that’s a great answer!

      Reply
    • college online says

      21 April 2015 at 11:17

      Stay with this guys, you’re helping a lot of people.

      Reply
    • business insurance providers says

      28 April 2015 at 14:51

      Your answer shows real intelligence.

      Reply
    • cheap car insurance says

      28 April 2015 at 22:08

      You have shed a ray of sunshine into the forum. Thanks!

      Reply
    • buy isotretinoin online without prescription says

      1 May 2015 at 09:09

      I’m really into it, thanks for this great stuff!

      Reply
    • buy cheap essays says

      13 May 2015 at 21:09

      This article is a home run, pure and simple!

      Reply
    • advantage car rental says

      15 May 2015 at 14:00

      Finding this post. It’s just a big piece of luck for me.

      Reply
    • buy imigran online without prescription says

      20 May 2015 at 11:43

      Play informative for me, Mr. internet writer.

      Reply
    • http://carinsuranceinfo.xyz/car-insurance-lamar-co.html says

      22 May 2015 at 19:12

      Deadly accurate answer. You’ve hit the bullseye!

      Reply
    • term life insurance says

      26 May 2015 at 23:39

      It’s posts like this that make surfing so much pleasure

      Reply
    • cialis online says

      27 May 2015 at 15:50

      All things considered, this is a first class post

      Reply
    • cialis vs viagra says

      29 May 2015 at 15:16

      At last! Someone with the insight to solve the problem!

      Reply
    • cialis says

      30 May 2015 at 07:45

      That’s really thinking at an impressive level

      Reply
    • whole life insurance says

      2 June 2015 at 19:02

      Finally! This is just what I was looking for.

      Reply
    • http://carinsuranceidea.xyz/auto_insurance_charleston_wv.html says

      3 June 2015 at 16:38

      I was looking everywhere and this popped up like nothing!

      Reply
    • http://tobeinsured.net/chaepestautoinsurance.html says

      3 June 2015 at 21:43

      That hits the target perfectly. Thanks!

      Reply
    • http://collegevault.net/schoolsthatofferxraytechnician.html says

      4 June 2015 at 11:45

      I’m not easily impressed. . . but that’s impressing me! 🙂

      Reply
    • http://collegevault.net/dental-assistant-degrees.html says

      5 June 2015 at 16:26

      It’s wonderful to have you on our side, haha!

      Reply
    • http://yourinsurquoteshere.com/arizonaautoinsurancerates.html says

      6 June 2015 at 09:36

      It’s posts like this that make surfing so much pleasure

      Reply
    • life insurance rates says

      7 June 2015 at 16:25

      Life is short, and this article saved valuable time on this Earth.

      Reply
    • VA car insurance quotes says

      7 June 2015 at 23:48

      Phenomenal breakdown of the topic, you should write for me too!

      Reply
    • viagra pills says

      8 June 2015 at 08:03

      At last! Someone who understands! Thanks for posting!

      Reply
    • http://autoinsuranceonlinet.xyz/general-car-insurance-good.html says

      20 June 2015 at 08:59

      Good point. I hadn’t thought about it quite that way. 🙂

      Reply
    • http://freecarinsurancequotesch.com/popularcarinsuranceagencies.html says

      29 June 2015 at 02:23

      Hey, that’s a clever way of thinking about it.

      Reply
    • http://chunnel-vision.com/csl-auto-insurance.html says

      8 July 2015 at 18:15

      Finding this post. It’s just a big piece of luck for me.

      Reply
    • http://carinsurancehit.xyz/hummna.html says

      16 July 2015 at 09:50

      Hey, that’s the greatest! So with ll this brain power AWHFY?

      Reply
    • http://healthinsurancebargains.xyz/star-health-insurance-online-chat.html says

      19 July 2015 at 04:38

      I think you hit a bullseye there fellas!

      Reply
    • http://insureyourcaronline.com/used-car-dealer-insurance-new-jersey.html says

      23 July 2015 at 05:42

      Could you write about Physics so I can pass Science class?

      Reply
    • http://viagrabargains.info/the-times-raf-viagra.html says

      27 July 2015 at 12:35

      Calling all cars, calling all cars, we’re ready to make a deal.

      Reply
    • http://myonlinecollegecourses.net/best-low-cost-online-schools.html says

      28 July 2015 at 08:17

      It’s about time someone wrote about this.

      Reply
  3. Weight loss tips for After Pregnancy says

    31 March 2015 at 03:31

    This is when I started out also it has to be great start to suit your needs as well.
    When you are looking for a diet, if it’s something you can’t be able to sustain seek out another one.
    With a lot of programs the way we get the one that
    is befitting for us.

    Reply
  4. hair loss says

    15 April 2015 at 12:56

    Not absolutely all women get noticeable alopecia after menopause but most have just a little thinning.

    Reply
  5. dana point dui defense lawyer says

    17 April 2015 at 01:57

    If you would like to get much from this piece of writing then you
    have to apply such techniques to your won web site.

    Reply
  6. teeter hang ups inversion table says

    18 April 2015 at 13:19

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and
    check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

    My blog – teeter hang ups inversion table

    Reply
  7. are speaking says

    22 April 2015 at 21:57

    I delight in, cause I discovered exactly what I used to be taking a look for.
    You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.

    Bye

    Reply
  8. how to get a man back after he dumps you says

    29 April 2015 at 05:48

    If you want to grow your familiarity only keep visiting this website and be updated with the most up-to-date news update posted here.

    Reply
  9. fashion watches for men says

    3 May 2015 at 15:01

    hello!,I really like your writing very so much!
    proportion we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your article
    on AOL? I need a specialist in this space to resolve
    my problem. May be that’s you! Looking ahead to see you.

    Reply
  10. wrkg says

    3 May 2015 at 21:49

    This is because herpes causes open sores on the genitals,
    which will make it easier for the HIV virus to enter your body.

    Reply
  11. San Antonio roofing » San Antonio tx - 817-969-4303 - roofing ... says

    4 May 2015 at 08:50

    This excellent website certainly has all the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

    Reply
  12. look at roofingcontractorssanantonio.org says

    4 May 2015 at 15:59

    My relatives every time say that I am killing
    my time here at net, however I know I am getting knowledge all the time by
    reading thes fastidious posts.

    Reply
  13. search engine optimization basics Houston TX says

    7 May 2015 at 06:07

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of
    any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was
    hoping maybe you would have some experience with something
    like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    Reply
  14. bestdatingsitesnow.com says

    11 May 2015 at 17:49

    Thanks to my father who stated to me on the topic of this webpage,
    this blog is in fact remarkable.

    Reply
  15. www.nexopia.com says

    12 May 2015 at 12:12

    Hello! I know this is somewhat off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does operating a well-established website such as yours take a large amount of work?
    I’m completely new to writing a blog but I do write
    in my diary everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can share
    my experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have
    any suggestions or tips for new aspiring blog owners.
    Appreciate it!

    Here is my homepage; http://www.nexopia.com

    Reply
  16. antichrist 2009 says

    14 May 2015 at 03:28

    Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I
    clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr…
    well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say great
    blog!

    Here is my website: antichrist 2009

    Reply
  17. estetica dentale says

    15 May 2015 at 10:00

    Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging
    to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal.
    I must say you have done a fantastic job with this. Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Firefox.
    Excellent Blog!

    Here is my web blog :: estetica dentale

    Reply
  18. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/21-day-fix-reviews-news-142000524.html says

    28 May 2015 at 16:01

    What’s up friends, its fantastic article about tutoringand fully explained,
    keep it up all the time.

    Stop by my web-site – http://finance.yahoo.com/news/21-day-fix-reviews-news-142000524.html

    Reply
  19. 21 day fix reviews says

    29 May 2015 at 05:14

    I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

    Here is my website; 21 day fix reviews

    Reply
  20. family law attorney palm beach says

    3 June 2015 at 04:34

    Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.

    Reply
  21. juguetes eroticos says

    12 June 2015 at 09:32

    Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it
    from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand out.
    Please let me know where you got your theme. Thanks

    Feel free to visit my homepage: juguetes eroticos

    Reply
  22. Diabetes Destroyer Program Review says

    16 July 2015 at 16:42

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was
    hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like
    this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new
    updates.

    Stop by my web-site: Diabetes Destroyer Program Review

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

code

Authors

Fabrizio Coticchia Profile Image I work on contemporary warfare, public opinion and military operations, Italian and European strategic culture (if there is such a thing...) More.
Francesco N. Moro Profile Image I work on organizations that change (or try to). Currently, I conduct research on armed forces in Europe and on mafias moving in “non-traditional” areas. More.

Tags cloud

Anything in here will be replaced on browsers that support the canvas element

  • Iraq
  • Afghanistan
  • Italy
  • ISIS
  • Libya
  • Difesa
  • Military Transformation
  • NATO
  • Libro Bianco
  • Italian Defense
  • ISIL
  • Defense
  • Syria
  • F35
  • Libia

Categories

  • Contemporary warfare
  • Defense in Europe
  • Italian military operations abroad
  • Italian Strategy and Doctrine
  • Pop-defense (Mos Eisley)
  • uncategorized
  • Venus in Arms
  • War by other names

Archives

Recent Posts

  • From enthusiasm to retreat: Italy and military missions abroad after the Cold War
  • “Peaceful legislatures? Parliaments and military interventions after the Cold War: Insights from Germany and Italy”
  • Difesa e missioni militari: necessario un dibattito pubblico nel Paese
  • A new database: “The Parliamentary Deployment Votes Database (PDVD)”
  • Book Launch: “The Handbook of European Defense Policies and Armed Forces”

Categories

  • Contemporary warfare
  • Defense in Europe
  • Italian military operations abroad
  • Italian Strategy and Doctrine
  • Pop-defense (Mos Eisley)
  • uncategorized
  • Venus in Arms
  • War by other names

Tags

Afghanistan China Clint Eastwood Conflicts Cybersecurity Defense Difesa Drones EU F-35 F35 Foreign Fighters Foreign Policy Foreign Policy Analysis Genova Guerra Intelligence Iraq ISA ISIL ISIS Israel Italian Defense Italian foreign policy Italy Libia Libro Bianco Libya Military Transformation Missioni militari NATO Obama Pinotti Putin Renzi Russia Security SGRI SISP Star Wars Strategic narratives Syria Terrorism Ukraine crisis US defense policy

twitter

Tweets di @ViA_blog

Copyright © 2021 · eleven40 Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies