The new peacekeepers and the new peacekeeping

Abstract

Since the end of the Cold War there has been a vast expansion in the number of multilateral peacekeeping operations and in the number and range of countries participating. Those countries which are new to peacekeeping not only have had to cope with the novelty of peacekeeping as traditionally practised but have become involved at the very time that peacekeeping has been undergoing fundamental changes in scope, complexity and character. This working paper analyses the challenges that have confronted these 'new peacekeepers' in participating in the 'new peacekeeping'. After identifying which countries are involved, the paper analyses their varying national motivations for participating and the evolving characteristics of post-Cold War peacekeeping. Detailed consideration is then given to the various challenges faced, ranging from practical ones such as pre-deployment training and briefing to conceptual developments in traditional peacekeeping norms relating to consensuality, impartiality and the non-use of force. Finally some of the reponses to such challenges are analysed, focusing in particular on reform of UN peacekeeping planning and management.