Liechtenstein has participated in two UN peacekeeping operations with voluntary financial contributions. First, Liechtenstein contributed with $2,000 to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) (UNDPI 1996, 708). UNFICYP was set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities (UN 2006a, par. 1). UNFICYP remains on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, maintain a buffer zone and undertake humanitarian activities (Ibid.). In its second participation, Liechtenstein contributed with $7,081 to the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina between 1995-1996 (UNDPI 1996, 749).
Liechtenstein is highly involved in international relations. Despite not having defence forces, Liechtenstein takes part in debates, forums, and supporting financially projects related to international development. For example, “the Liechtenstein delegation in New York participates in the Humanitarian Liaison Working Group, a group of donor countries that closely follows the work of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)” (GSO 2006, par. 9). Particular attention is paid to the effectiveness of the Consolidated Appeal Processes, by which OCHA orchestrates its fundraising activities for the benefit of suffering populations. However:
Liechtenstein not only supports the coordination efforts of OCHA, but also provides financial contributions to individual relief agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] UNHCR, UNICEF, and others. In the context of the preparation of the September Summit, Liechtenstein has delivered several statements outlining its views on how to strengthen international development cooperation in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. One important element is the internationally agreed level of Official Development Assistance (0,7 % of GNP), which donor countries should reach by 2015. Already in 2001, the Liechtenstein Government has declared it commitment to reach this goal. (Ibid.)
Initial variables of the data collection process:
UN/UN peacekeeping policy reform
Liechtenstein plays a crucial role in the current debates on Security Council reform, thanks to Ambassador Christian Wenawesers’ position as Vice-Chairman of the Open-Ended Working Group dealing with this issue (Ibid., par. 3). This process could potentially lead to a historic reform of the Council, both regarding the question of enlargement of membership, as well as regarding the improvement of its working methods (Ibid.). Liechtenstein has not only limited to Security Council issues but taken a very active role in current debates regarding the reform of the human rights machinery, in particular the Commission on Human Rights and the human rights treaty bodies (Ibid.).
Perception of peacekeeping
The perception is positive, because peacekeeping operations are necessary to bring hope to conflict environments. There are no negative connotations found in the data.
Domestic political environment
The country has come through a lengthy political wrangle over the role and power of the hereditary monarchy (BBC 2006af, par. 4). But this is not going to change the fact that Liechtenstein does not have defence forces. Internally, there was a campaign which was at times bitterly divisive, and the people voted in March 2003 in a constitutional referendum to give Prince Hans-Adam sweeping new political powers and made Liechtenstein Europe's only absolute monarchy (Ibid.). Nevertheless, it is not likely that this is going to change the way the country participates in international affairs. With regards to policy making, it gave Prince Hans-Adam the power to hire and fire the government, despite publicly-expressed fears that the development could usher in dictatorship (Ibid.).
Domestic economic environment
Much of its wealth is based on its status as a low tax haven. Around 75,000 companies have their nominal 'letter box' offices in Liechtenstein, where business tax rates are very favorable (Ibid., par. 5). Thus, its government has no need to have its citizens seek employment as peacekeepers.
Military affairs
Since 1868, no military forces have been maintained in Liechtenstein, but there is obligatory military service for able-bodied men up to 60 years of age in case of emergency (Thomson 2006h, par. 2).
Foreign policy
The participation in the multilateral work of the United Nations in New York forms an important part of Liechtenstein’s overall foreign policy (GSO 2006, par. 1). Within the UN, the activities are in: human rights, international peace and security, counter-terrorism, International Criminal Court, international law, rule of law, and humanitarian and development cooperation (Ibid.). Participating in the UN reform is also part of their foreign policy.
Additional variables found after the preliminary analysis:
Climate changes
No record.
Independent negotiations taken by DPKO to seek troops
No record.
Independent negotiations taken by contributor countries to engage non-contributor countries
No record.
Meetings organized by other international organizations to engage in dialogue about peacekeeping
No record.
