Which of the following are recognised as core functions of United Nations multidimensional peacekeeping operations, according to contemporary peacekeeping mandates?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines knowledge of international organisations, specifically the United Nations and its multidimensional peacekeeping operations. Modern peacekeeping has evolved beyond simple ceasefire monitoring and now includes tasks such as stabilisation, protection of civilians, institution building and peace consolidation. Candidates must identify which listed activities are recognised as core functions of such operations, based on typical Security Council mandates and United Nations doctrine.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question lists three potential functions: 1. Stabilisation, 2. Peace consolidation, 3. To extend support to a losing state in a war.
• We are asked to choose the correct combination describing core functions of United Nations multidimensional peacekeeping.
• Options provide different combinations using these three items.
• We assume standard United Nations peacekeeping principles, including impartiality.

Concept / Approach:
United Nations multidimensional peacekeeping operations usually focus on stabilising post conflict environments, supporting political processes, protecting civilians, building state institutions and consolidating peace so that conflict does not recur. They are designed to be impartial and are not meant to support one side to win or rescue a losing party in war. Therefore, stabilisation and peace consolidation are in line with recognised core functions, whereas providing support to a losing state in a war would violate impartiality. The approach is to accept items 1 and 2 and exclude item 3.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Analyse statement 1, stabilisation. This refers to helping secure the environment, protecting civilians and supporting ceasefires, which are standard tasks in many peacekeeping mandates. So statement 1 is a core function. Step 2: Analyse statement 2, peace consolidation. This includes helping to build institutions, support rule of law and promote reconciliation after conflict. This is also a recognised role in multidimensional missions. So statement 2 is also a core function. Step 3: Analyse statement 3, extending support to a losing state in a war. This directly implies partiality towards one party. United Nations peacekeeping is based on consent, impartiality and non use of force except in self defence and defence of the mandate. Therefore, supporting a losing side as such is not a core function. Step 4: Conclude that statements 1 and 2 are correct core functions, while statement 3 is not. Step 5: Among the options, option d corresponds to 1 and 2 only, which matches the reasoning.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative way to verify is to recall that multidimensional peacekeeping is often described in United Nations documents as having tasks that range from supporting political processes and elections to helping in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of combatants. All these activities are aimed at stabilisation and peace consolidation rather than picking winners in a conflict. Any statement suggesting that the United Nations should back a losing state in order to help it win is inconsistent with the basic principles of peacekeeping and the idea of neutrality. This confirms that only statements 1 and 2 belong to the list of core functions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1, 2 and 3: This option wrongly includes statement 3, which is not a core function and conflicts with the principle of impartiality.
2 and 3 only: This option omits stabilisation, which is an essential part of many peacekeeping mandates, and still wrongly includes statement 3.
1 and 3 only: This option includes stabilisation but omits peace consolidation and incorrectly counts a partisan role as core.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to misinterpret peacekeeping as military intervention in favour of one side, especially if one party is seen as legitimate. However, United Nations peacekeeping operations are designed to support peace processes and protect civilians rather than to ensure military victory of a losing state. Another mistake is to ignore the word multidimensional and think only of traditional ceasefire monitoring, whereas new missions have broader mandates including consolidation tasks. Understanding these principles helps learners avoid confusion and choose the correct combination in similar questions.

Final Answer:
The correct combination of core functions of United Nations multidimensional peacekeeping operations is 1 and 2 only, that is, stabilisation and peace consolidation.