What do countries do to prevent war?

Preventing war involves a multifaceted approach that includes various strategies, international cooperation, and the implementation of both structural and operational measures. Here are some key methods and frameworks:

International Law and Agreements

• The United Nations Charter requires member states to settle disputes by peaceful means and refrain from the threat or use of force against other states' territorial integrity or political independence123.
• Treaties like the 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact aimed to outlaw wars of aggression, although they lacked enforcement mechanisms and did not limit the tools of warfare23.

Structural Prevention

• This approach focuses on addressing the root causes of conflict, including economic, environmental, political, security, and societal dimensions. It involves promoting wellbeing, peace, and security through comprehensive societal systems1.
• Initiatives such as the joint World Bank-United Nations report Pathways for Peace and Our Common Agenda by UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasize human rights, humanitarian action, economic and social development, and conflict resolution1.

Operational Prevention

• This involves strengthening diplomatic, security, and political mechanisms to prevent the imminent outbreak of violence. It includes international cooperation, respect for international law, and the use of mediation and conflict resolution techniques1.
• Confidence-building measures, such as those adopted among South and Central American countries between 1980 and 2000, can be effective in preventing military conflicts1.

Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

• International organizations can facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes by providing impartial bodies for conflict resolution, such as the World Court or the League Council. However, this requires all states to agree to refer their disputes to these bodies and comply with the decisions3.

Economic Penalties

• Economic sanctions can be used against aggressor countries to prevent them from obtaining the resources needed to wage war. However, this method has its limitations, as aggressor states can stockpile resources or use military force to obtain what they need from weaker neighboring states3.

International Armed Force

• Some propose the establishment of an international armed force to enforce peace and deter aggression. Advocates argue that a strong international peace force could prevent aggressions by ensuring the defeat of any aggressor3.

Civil Society and Multilateral Cooperation

• Civil society plays a crucial role in providing space for dialogue and mediation, as well as in supporting humanitarian action and inclusive social and economic structures1.
• Multilateral cooperation, including regional and international organizations, is essential for generating inclusive social and economic structures and supporting post-conflict countries1.

National Constitutional Provisions

• Some countries, like Japan and Costa Rica, have included provisions in their national constitutions that outlaw war and the preparation for war. This approach sets a domestic legal framework that aligns with international peace goals2.

Comprehensive Prevention Framework

• A comprehensive framework includes planning, preparedness, and resilience. It involves multi-level diplomacy, strengthening agreements and treaties on arms control and security, international law, and human rights. It also relies on civil society, humanitarian action, and international and regional cooperation1.

In summary, preventing war requires a combination of top-down stability measures, grassroots peace structures, adherence to international law, economic and social development, and the active engagement of civil society and multilateral organizations.