The role of civil-military cooperation in contemporary United Nations peacekeeping operations: a case study of UNIFIL

Authors

  • Slobodan M. RADOJEVIC University of Defense, Military Academy, Belgrade, Serbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-24-52

Keywords:

civil-military cooperation (CIMIC);, CIMIC personnel;, peacekeeping operations;, civil environment; United Nations;, UNIFIL.

Abstract

The paper explores the place and role of civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) in contemporary United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations. The author’s starting point is that civil-military cooperation is important for the success of a peacekeeping operation, as the CIMIC personnel engage in the implementation of CIMIC tasks in order to create a favorable civilian environment. Through these activities, the CIMIC personnel influence the security of the unit and contribute to the success of the mission. The paper aims to advance the understanding of civil-military cooperation by clarifying how the concept is understood, shaped, and applied in  contemporary UN peacekeeping operations. With this in mind, the interview has proven to be the best research technique for
obtaining information on how the CIMIC personnel understand, implement, and develop the functions of the CIMIC in UN peacekeeping operations. This section presents experiences in the application of the CIMIC in the peacekeeping operation in Lebanon (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL) as a case study. The paper emphasizes that the successful implementation of civil-military cooperation in a peacekeeping operation can affect the strategic level, i.e. exert an influence on the success of the operation itself. Emphasis is placed on presenting the range of roles and functions that the CIMIC personnel perform in peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the UN. The paper concludes that contemporary peacekeeping operations have evolved and require a significant component of civil-military cooperation.

Author Biography

Slobodan M. RADOJEVIC, University of Defense, Military Academy, Belgrade, Serbia

Slobodan Radojevic joined the Military academy in 2005, where he teaches B.S., M.A. and Ph.D courses. PhD Slobodan Radojević is an Assistant Professor at the University of Defence, Republic of Serbia. Slobodan has served on-board warships in the capacity of Commanding Officer (Navy) and has a total sea and river navigation experience for more than 20 years. He has Bachelor degree in Nautical Science and Master of Science degree in maritime security management. He obtained his doctorate in the field of international relations at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Belgrade.His professional research is oriented to security, decision making, crisis management, military science and international relations. He has published several articles and scientific publications in the field of security and international relations.

In addition, he developed and contributed to several masters and PhD courses within different programs at the University of Defence focusing Social and Human Factors and Methodology and became the main lecturer of a few M.A. and Ph.D courses.

Since 2005, when he started working for Navy, Slobodan has researched, published and taught a range of courses with emphasis on security, civil-military relations, decision-making, military science, international relations to Serbian Armed Forces and partner nation military officers and civilians. He has also advised/co-advised a select number of Bachelor and M.A. student theses. Also, Slobodan is co-worker of the Serbian Armed Forces - Peacekeeping Operations Centre which conduct training, selection, equipping, preparation and deployment of individuals and units from the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces to peacekeeping operations.

Slobodan is dedicated to training and know how to strive for better performance due to investments in education and training of peacekeeping participants. Also, through education and public forums, he contributes to better understanding of participation of the Serbian Armed Forces in peacekeeping operations.

 

For a list of publications, see: ORCID: 0000-0001-6071-8151

 

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Published

2025-01-21

How to Cite

RADOJEVIC, S. M. . (2025). The role of civil-military cooperation in contemporary United Nations peacekeeping operations: a case study of UNIFIL. BULLETIN OF "CAROL I" NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY, 13(4), 113–125. https://doi.org/10.53477/2284-9378-24-52

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 4 (2024)

Section

Articles

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