A concept for post-cold war peacekeeping

Abstract

From the perspectives of history, pragmatism, and the recent post operational reports of practitioners, Charles Dobbie examines the demands of peacekeeping today. On the evidence adduced he suggests that the absence or presence of consent in theatre is the critical determinant of the manner in which peacekeeping operations should be planned, directed and conducted at all levels, particularly with regard to the use of force. He goes on to describe a concept for peacekeeping in the contemporary security environmental seeks to take realistic account of the consent criterion. His concept describes the range of possible peacekeeping tasks and goes on to cover principles, operational techniques, planning and training. Dobbie concludes by seven particular lessons, arguing that peacekeeping and peace enforcement are separate and mutually exclusive activities which cannot be mixed and which therefore need to be directed and handled in a consistent manner with due regard to appropriate principles. He also suggests that the main effort of any peacekeeping campaign should seek to address the perceptions and attitudes of the parties to the conflict and the local population