Sharing the financial burden for UN and NATO peacekeeping, 1976-1996

The article examines how NATO and two larger samples shared the U.N. peacekeeping financial burden from 1976 to 1996. Based on the share of gross domestic product devoted to U.N. peacekeeping, there is evidence that the rich nations are assuming a disproportionate burden of peacekeeping in the post-cold war period. This evidence is stronger for NATO than for the two larger samples. When efforts for peacekeeping not financed through the United Nations are included the disproportionality is even clearer in the 1990s for NATO and the largest samples (accounting for 97% of U.N. peacekeeping support). Problems with alternative peacekeeping burden-sharing measures also are considered. In light of current developments, future patterns of burden sharing are anticipated, with the richer NATO allies assuming ever greater financial burdens of peacekeeping.