Why did the number of United Nations peacekeeping operations increase after the late 1980s?

The increase in United Nations peacekeeping operations following the late 1980s was primarily driven by the end of the Cold War, which transformed the Security Council from a largely ineffective institution into a more active body.123

During the Cold War, persistent disagreements and the frequent use of the veto by permanent members hindered the council's ability to authorize missions. As these geopolitical tensions eased, the Security Council began authorizing a significantly higher volume of operations—approving approximately three dozen missions between 1987 and 2000, compared to only 13 between 1948 and 1978.23

This shift also introduced "second-generation" peacekeeping, which expanded the UN's role beyond traditional cease-fire observation. These more complex missions were designed to address internal conflicts where civil order had collapsed, often involving civilian experts and authorizing the use of force for objectives beyond simple self-defense. Consequently, the UN took on broader responsibilities, including supervising elections, facilitating peace negotiations, and providing humanitarian aid in regions such as the Balkans, Somalia, and Cambodia.12