In the following sentence, would you interpret the term "peacekeepers" as meaning "all peacekeepers" or "some peacekeepers"?



My guess is that the person who wrote the sentence meant all.



But I think it could be interpreted either way. Take “Eighteen year olds should be allowed to vote.” Readers know there are qualifications—person should have registered, should not have committed a felony. One assumes, I think, that all of the peacekeepers have met certain qualifications and that all are therefore empowered.



I don’t think of any linguistic rule that applies.

Gerald





United Nations peacekeepers should have the power to engage in     offensive operations.





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