Militarized Masculinity and the Legitimacy of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (1988–2005)

Document Type : Articles

Authors

Farideh Mohammad Alipour ¹

Mohadeseh shabani ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

² M.A. in International Relations, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/ips.2026.63556.0

Abstract

The expansion of United Nations peacekeeping operations after the Cold War transformed the scope and nature of international interventions in conflict-affected societies. While multidimensional peacekeeping missions were designed to support peacebuilding, state reconstruction and civilian protection, numerous allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by peacekeeping personnel raised concerns regarding the gendered dynamics embedded within these operations. This article examines the impact of militarized masculinity on United Nations peacekeeping missions between 1988 and 2005. Drawing upon feminist security studies and critical gender perspectives, the study argues that institutional cultures shaped by militarized forms of masculinity contributed to unequal power relations, normalized certain forms of violence, and undermined the legitimacy of peacekeeping efforts. Through an explanatory analysis of United Nations reports, Security Council resolutions, policy documents and selected mission experiences, the article explores the relationship between gendered institutional practices and operational outcomes. The findings suggest that gender mainstreaming initiatives, including Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), represented an important normative shift; however, their implementation was constrained by persistent structural inequalities, limited accountability mechanisms and the underrepresentation of women within peacekeeping institutions. The article concludes that strengthening women’s participation and addressing militarized institutional cultures remain essential for enhancing the effectiveness, legitimacy and accountability of United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Keywords

UN Peacekeeping Operations

Militarized Masculinity

Women, Peace and Security

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Gender Mainstreaming

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