Peacekeeping in Tough Times

Ancient Indian ethics - from Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to Dharma-driven statecraft - can still guide modern missions, humanitarian law and the search for sustainable peace

- RK PACHNANDA

Modern peacekeeping will fail if it forgets what India's scriptures never did: that the ultimate duty of power is to protect the vulnerable

While the concept of international peacekeeping, as we know it under the United Nations (UN), did not formally exist, the spirit and principles of peacekeeping were very much present in ancient Indian scriptures, which emphasised peace, nonaggression and harmony among nations (Janapadas).

Texts like the Rig Veda, Upanishads, the Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Sangam literature and Thirukkural, Nitisara and Buddhist literature laid the philosophical foundations of peaceful coexistence, preventing conflicts, protecting civilians, forming alliances, ethical statecraft and promoting global harmony, which align closely with the ideals of international peacekeeping of today. The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam from the Mahopanishad teaches that the world is one family. The peace missions of Emperor Ashoka represent historical examples of transnational peace outreach through his model of “Dhamma diplomacy.”

With the formation of the UN emerged the international need for peace, which translated into formal peacekeeping missions. Today, the global landscape is freckled by unprecedented conflict and polarisation. According to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, 2024 saw 61 active conflicts ~ the highest since 1946. Civilians bear the brunt, facing record displacement and deliberate targeting. In this volatile environment, UN peacekeeping remains a lifeline for millions. Over 11 operations deploy personnel from 115 member states to protect civilians, prevent conflict, support political processes and enable humanitarian access.