Jean-Pierre Lacroix reflects on the future of peacekeeping at DPIR/UN Lecture

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) was honoured to welcome United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History for a public lecture on the future of peacekeeping in a fragmented world.

Addressing a packed lecture theatre, Mr Lacroix reflected on the enduring importance of UN peace operations at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, evolving security threats, and increasing constraints on political will and resources. Drawing on his experience leading the UN Department of Peace Operations, he highlighted both the achievements of peacekeeping and the challenges facing multilateral efforts to maintain international peace and security.

While acknowledging the complex environment in which peace operations now operate, Mr Lacroix emphasised that peacekeeping remains an essential tool for conflict management and civilian protection. He argued that its continued effectiveness depends on sustained international commitment, realistic mandates, adequate resources, and long-term political engagement.

The lecture marked the conclusion of DPIR's inaugural UN Peace and Security Fellowship Programme, a partnership between Oxford's Department of Politics and International Relations and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations.

Over the course of the programme, ten serving UN practitioners spent eight weeks at Oxford undertaking policy-relevant research on peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and political missions. Supported by academic mentors and access to Oxford's research community, the Fellowship provides an opportunity for practitioners to step back from operational responsibilities, reflect on contemporary challenges, and engage with scholars and students working on issues of international peace and security.

Throughout their residency, Fellows participated in departmental events, shared insights from their professional experience, and developed research projects that will contribute to ongoing policy discussions within the UN and beyond.

Professor Richard Caplan, Director of the Fellowship Programme, thanked the Fellows for their contributions to the Department and highlighted the value of bringing together practitioners and researchers to address the challenges facing contemporary peace operations. Professor David Doyle, Head of Department for DPIR, informed the Fellows that they are now a part of the DPIR community and would always be warmly welcomed back to the Department. 

The Department would also like to thank the Fellows' academic mentors, colleagues across DPIR, and everyone who attended the lecture and supported the programme.

The Fellowship is supported by a generous contribution from Sai Prakash Leo Muthu and Sairam Institutions in honour of the late Leo Muthu. Their support has enabled this unique partnership between Oxford and the United Nations, creating a space for practitioner–scholar exchange and helping to strengthen the connection between academic research and policy practice.

As the first cohort of Fellows returns to their roles across the world, DPIR looks forward to maintaining these connections and building on the success of the programme in the years ahead.