Models of post-conflict settlement in the peacekeeping system of international security organizations: lessons for Ukraine

Abstract

Post-conflict recovery issues are key to war-over countries, territorial loss and social polarization. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, analyzing the experience of international security organizations that participated in stabilization processes in the Balkans, the Caucasus and Central Asia in the formation of effective post-conflict settlement models becomes especially relevant. The study aims to systematize the existing practices of the UN, NATO, OSCE, and the CDC, distinguish the main factors of their effectiveness and develop an adaptive model of post-war recovery for Ukraine, which will consider regional features and international experience.

The study applies a comparative method to analyze the strategies of international security organizations, a regional approach to account for the specificities of the Balkans, Caucasus, and Central Asia, a case method to explore models in selected countries, and a matrix analysis to assess the effectiveness of approaches based on key criteria.

The analysis of international experience has shown that the UN offers the most complex model of conflicts with security, humanitarian and administrative components but has restrictions on efficiency. The OSCE is effective in monitoring and democratization but lacks direct intervention. The NATO Strategy demonstrates the effectiveness of military stabilization, particularly in Kosovo and Bosnia. The CPU is capable of short-term intervention, as in the case of Kazakhstan, but does not have a constant restoration strategy.

The summarized results enabled the development of an index-based evaluation matrix, which underpins the adaptive post-conflict recovery model proposed for Ukraine. This model integrates security stabilization, institutional and legal recovery, humanitarian support, and active civil society participation. Its implementation should follow a phased approach - from ensuring security to rebuilding trust and legal integration.