Effects of the Deployment and Departure of UN Peacekeeping Operations on Foreign Direct Investment

ABSTRACT Do United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPKOs) foster foreign direct investment (FDI) in host countries over time? I argue that the deployment of UNPKOs increases FDI by signaling credibility in peace and the rule of law. However, once peacekeepers depart, uncertainty regarding political stability, due to premature withdrawal and unemployment shocks deters investment in the short term. Over time, however, FDI increases as investors recognize the country's growing resilience, shaped by the legacy of UNPKOs. Empirical analyses test these hypotheses, demonstrating that while the departure of peacekeepers initially slows investment, it ultimately accelerates FDI inflows in the long run.