This work intends to analyze the reasons for the deployment of the so-called Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in 2013, as well as its contributions to the peace process. The FIB is the first U.N. force in history authorized to carry out offensive operations to neutralize groups considered threats to peace processes. The focus of the analysis is why the United Nations decided to increase the use of force in DRC considering the background of failed attempts to use force by peacekeepers in the DRC, since 1960. The study is going to be accomplished by describing the foundations of the use of force in the DRC to the analytical questions that were established in order to frame the two screening criteria: utility of force and policy. The analysis is going to be based on the deterrence theory and some assumptions of the English School of international relations theory. Regarding peacekeeping, deterrence helps prevent conflicts from spilling over into noncombatant areas, thus reducing and limiting violence. In the classic English School, the international system is perceived as a society where members consent to common rules to avoid chaos. These rules are expressed in a set of institutions such as international law, diplomacy, the great powers, balance of power and war.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)