The adaption of United Nations peacekeeping in the post-Cold War international system
Citation:
John Terence O'Neill, 'The adaption of United Nations peacekeeping in the post-Cold War international system', [thesis], Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland). Department of Political Science, 2001, pp 377Download Item:
ONeill TCD THESIS 6176 The adaption.pdf (PDF) 460.0Mb
Abstract:
This study examines United Nations peacekeeping as practised between 1956 and
1999. In particular, it considers how the ending of the Cold War affected the conduct
and performance of operations. Having traced the development of international collective action, it examines in detail four operations, two of which commenced during the Cold War and two of which
were launched in the early 1990's. In this way, it seeks to establish whether the later
operations were significantly different from those of the earlier era. Much o f the work is based on the personal experience of the author and on information gathered through interviews with military personnel, from Ireland and several other European countries, who served on various UN operations. The
observations and comments of those interviewed are considered particularly valuable
since many were participants in, or observers of, significant events in the history of
peacekeeping. Moreover, several were Force Commanders, contingent commanders
or holders of senior staff appointments and therefore played a major part in the overall
development of UN peacekeeping activities. Their contributions are supplemented by
the observations of civilians who either served at UN Headquarters in New York or
held senior appointments on operations. These observations from 'practitioners' are set alongside the written work of academics and commentators from Britain, Europe, North America and the Antipodes. In this way, a broad picture of peacekeeping is presented. The study concludes that whatever the period in which they were conducted, most peacekeeping operations have proved less than satisfactory. Failure to meet
expectations is seen as resulting from the inability o f UN member states to agree upon
(a) clear achievable objectives, (b) the precise nature of operations, and (c) provision
of the necessary resources.
Author: O'Neill, John Terence
Advisor:
Keatinge, PatrickMarsh, Michael
Rees, Nicholas
Qualification name:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Publisher:
Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland). Department of Political ScienceNote:
TARA (Trinity’s Access to Research Archive) has a robust takedown policy. Please contact us if you have any concerns: rssadmin@tcd.iePrint thesis water damaged as a result of the Berkeley Library Podium flood 25/10/2011
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Full text availableKeywords:
Politics, Ph.D., Ph.D. Trinity College DublinLicences: