Traditional and multidimensional peacekeeping represent different approaches to UN peacekeeping operations, reflecting an evolution in the nature of conflict and the role of the UN. **Traditional peacekeeping** missions emerged in response to inter-State conflicts. These missions are primarily military in character and are principally mandated to observe, monitor, and report on military activities; supervise a ceasefire; and serve as a buffer between the parties to a conflict. Traditional peacekeeping operations are deployed as an interim measure to help manage a conflict and create conditions in which the negotiation of a lasting settlement can proceed. Key characteristics of traditional peacekeeping include: * **Focus on military tasks**: The tasks assigned to traditional peacekeeping operations by the Security Council are primarily military, such as observation, monitoring, reporting, and the supervision of ceasefires. * **Inter-State conflicts:** Traditional peacekeeping missions are typically a response to conflicts between states. * **Limited political role**: Traditional peacekeeping operations do not normally play a direct role in political efforts to resolve the conflict. * **Deployment as an interim measure**: These operations are deployed as a temporary measure to manage a conflict and create conditions for negotiations to take place. * **Consent-based**: Deployment requires the consent of the main parties to the conflict. * **Impartiality**: Peacekeepers must act impartially in their dealings with all parties. * **Non-use of force**: The use of force is limited to self-defense and defense of the mandate. **Multidimensional peacekeeping** missions, also known as contemporary peacekeeping missions, emerged in the late 1990s in response to a shift from inter-State to intra-State conflicts. These missions are characterized by political leadership of complex mandates with many lines of integrated activity (political, security, humanitarian, developmental) designed to consolidate a fragile peace. Multidimensional peacekeeping operations are deployed as one part of a broader international effort to help countries make the transition to a sustainable peace. Key characteristics of multidimensional peacekeeping include: * **Complex, integrated mandates**: Multidimensional missions employ a mix of military, police, and civilian capabilities to support the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement. * **Intra-State conflicts**: These missions are typically deployed in response to internal conflicts. * **Active political role**: Multidimensional operations often play a direct role in political efforts to resolve the conflict, promoting national dialogue and reconciliation. * **Focus on peacebuilding activities**: These missions are mandated to undertake critical peacebuilding activities, including disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR); mine action; security sector reform (SSR); and the protection of human rights. * **Integrated approach**: Multidimensional operations strive to integrate various elements (military, police, civilian, humanitarian, development) to provide a comprehensive response to complex crises. * **Support for state authority**: These missions support the restoration and extension of State authority, and the development of legitimate political institutions. * **Coordination of actors**: A key function of multidimensional operations is to provide a framework for ensuring that all UN and other international actors pursue their activities in a coherent and coordinated manner. * **A Secure and Stable Environment:** Creating a secure and stable environment while strengthening the State’s ability to provide security, with full respect for the rule of law and human rights is a core function of multidimensional peacekeeping. In summary, while both traditional and multidimensional peacekeeping operations adhere to the core principles of consent, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense, multidimensional peacekeeping operations have evolved to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of modern conflict. They include a broader range of activities, such as supporting political processes, promoting human rights, and assisting in peacebuilding efforts. Traditional peacekeeping is more focused on the military aspects of observing ceasefires and maintaining a buffer between warring parties, whereas multidimensional peacekeeping involves a wider range of civilian and political tasks to promote a sustainable peace.