The pieces that make the peace: the micro-processes of international security

This article uses the case study of UNIFIL in South Lebanon to provide fresh empirical evidence on how peace operations influence their security environment. This article discusses the micro-processes of peace operations to show how peace and stability can be maintained through small incremental measures employed consistently over time. Threats to stability are controlled by the actions of both military and civilian actors within a peacekeeping mission: Peacekeepers and Political Affairs Officers. Response mechanisms used by peacekeepers include: a visible security presence; responding to violations; reporting; and collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Preventative measures used by Political Affairs Officers include, liaison with the military, monthly tripartite meetings and the generation of micro-security arrangements. This article argues two factors facilitate the effectiveness of these mechanisms: good coordination between civilian actors and military actors in a peacekeeping mission and the use of a technocratic approach to resolving disputes on the ground.