CiR2P

CiR2P Option 23 | Preventive deployment

DISCUSSION:

Preventative deployment involves positioning troops either within or across state borders, with the consent of the government or governments involved.

The primary aim to deter the escalation of the situation into armed conflict.

To achieve this, mission tasks can include providing a monitoring and reporting role, as well as setting conditions for mediation, negotiation and conciliation to occur. A troop deployment into foreign territory draws international attention to the issue, and at least implies a willingness to take further action should the situation deteriorate.   

Preventative deployment should be considered in circumstances in which a climate-related event has eroded, or is eroding, a subnational balance-of-power that credibly may result in large-scale harm being committed against a particular population.

For example, a central government could invite international troops in circumstancing involving an armed militia group forcibly removing inhabitants from lands and territories in the aftermath of a major climate-related event. The event itself viewed by the militia group or groups as a window of opportunity to advance their strategic interests and to settle old scores.

Preventative diplomacy should also be a consideration in cross-border climate-related disputes such as those involving water access.