Token Forces: How Tiny Troop Deployments Became Ubiquitous in UN Peacekeeping

Token forces, consisting of small national troop contributions in larger coalitions, have become the most common form of participation in UN peacekeeping despite their limited relevance for missions' operational success. This Element examines how and why this contribution type has emerged as a path-dependent unintended consequence of the norm of multilateralism in international uses of military force. It identifies the factors disposing states to contribute token forces and discusses how UN officials channel token participation. The Element contributes to the literatures on UN peacekeeping, military coalitions, and the impacts of norms in international organizations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Token forces, consisting of small national troop contributions in much larger coalitions, have become prevalent in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Despite their limited relevance for mission operational success, these forces have emerged as the most common form of participation in UN peace operations. This Element explores the reasons behind the prevalence of token forces and their unintended consequences. It conceptualizes token forces as a path-dependent outcome of the norm of multilateralism in international uses of military force. The norm expands states' participation options by incentivizing coalition builders to accept token forces. Consequently, UN-specific types of token forces have emerged as states learn about this option and secretariat officials adapt to state demands for it.

The Element provides a comprehensive documentation of the growing incidence of token forces in UN peacekeeping. It identifies the factors that dispose states to contribute token forces and discusses how UN officials channel token participation. By examining these aspects, the Element contributes to the literature on UN peacekeeping, military coalitions, and the impacts of norms in international organizations.

In conclusion, token forces have emerged as a significant feature of UN peacekeeping operations, despite their limited relevance for mission success. This Element explores the reasons behind their prevalence and their unintended consequences. By examining the factors that dispose states to contribute token forces and the ways in which UN officials channel token participation, the Element contributes to our understanding of UN peacekeeping, military coalitions, and the role of norms in international organizations.

ISBN-13: 9781009048835