Peacekeeping Operations — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

Focus on memorizing key facts: India's ranking as largest contributor, specific numbers (200,000+ peacekeepers, 49 missions), core principles (consent, impartiality, non-use of force), important years (1948 UNTSO, 1956 UNEF I, 1950 Korea for India), and recent developments.

Pay special attention to legal basis (Chapter VI, VII, VI½), financing mechanisms, and reform initiatives (Brahimi 2000, New Horizon 2009, A4P 2018). Current affairs focus on mission closures (MINUSMA Mali), budget crisis, and women's participation.

Use elimination techniques by understanding the distinction between peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and humanitarian intervention. Memorize UNSC Resolution 1325 for women's participation and key Indian contributions like all-female police units.

Also build Paper II skills

Dense constitutional and IR passages mirror CSAT-style comprehension and argument evaluation—build those skills in parallel. CSAT hub.

• Valid & invalid arguments
• Syllogisms
• Critical reasoning