BEYOND PEACEKEEPING: THE EVOLUTION OF LIBERAL INTERVENTIONISM AFTER THE COLD WAR

This article examines the evolution of liberal interventionism in the post-Cold War era, delineating its historical trajectory and its implications for contemporary international relations theory. During this period, interventionism manifested distinctive traits within the context of the bipolar international system. However, the advent of the unipolar system gave rise to a transformation in these characteristics, resulting in a distinct shift in their manifestation. This shift coincided with the ascendance of liberal democracy, which introduced several novel characteristics that have manifested in numerous global occurrences. As a consequence of a reduction in interstate conflicts and an increase in those occurring within states, frequently instigated by ethnic or religious strife, the United Nations has witnessed a substantial expansion in peace operations. Moreover, this article examines how peacekeeping operations and state-building processes have developed over time, offering insights into the ways in which these concepts have transformed. This analysis addresses the evolution from the traditional peacekeeping paradigm to a more comprehensive and multifaceted approach, namely multidimensional peace operations. Such multidimensional peacekeeping operations encompass a broader range of activities extending beyond the mere monitoring of ceasefires. These may include, for instance, the provision of humanitarian assistance, the supervision of elections, and the advancement of state-building efforts, among other possible actions. This article provides a detailed examination of the fundamental transformations and their implications for the future of liberal interventionism, particularly in light of the evolving landscape of global conflict and instability.