UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo

The concept of UN peacekeeping has had to evolve and change to meet the challenges of contemporary sources of conflict; consequently, peacekeeping operations have grown rapidly in number and complexity. This book examines a number of issues associated with contemporary multinational peace operations, and seeks to provide insights into the problems that arise in establishing and deploying such forces to meet the challenges of current conflicts. The focus of the book is three case studies (Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo), involving a comparative analysis of the traditional peacekeeping in Lebanon, the more robust peace enforcement mission in Somalia, and the international administration undertaken on behalf of the international community in Kosovo. The book analyses the lessons that may be learned from these operations in terms of mandates, command and control, use of force and the relevance of international humanitarian and human rights law to such operations.

'Many books and articles have been written (and will be in the future) on issues concerning multi-national peace operations. The reason for this is probably the rapidly growing number of interventions as well as the increasing complexity on the ground. Specialisation seems therefore to be in order. This comparative analysis of traditional and second-generation peacekeeping using three case studies - the missions in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo - representing three different geographic regions, rises to this challenge. While keeping in mind their specificity, many of the insights, conclusions and lessons from this analysis can be generalized and applied in ongoing and possible future interventions. Political decision-makers and military planners must, more than in the past, take into account the greater picture and not be limited to short term objective-reaching thinking. They should always evaluate the longer term consequences of each action in an increasingly complex environment. This book should be read by everyone who is involved in the planning, execution and evaluation of peacekeeping operations and in training for such operations. Insights resulting from the analysis of these cases should at least lead to discussion and reflection.' The Military Law and the Law of War Review, ' … a solid read … It provides a rich analysis of the character of UN military and civilian operations in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo, while providing insightful regional analysis. … a straightforward, relatively compelling and 'politically incorrect' indictment of UN peacekeeping and peace-enforcement practice and doctrine. … rich in information and punchy analysis … a worthy read.' Jeremy I. Levitt, International Peacekeeping Journal

Dr Ray Murphy is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, National University of Galway, Ireland.