This title provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the theory, practice and politics of contemporary peacekeeping. It evaluates the changing characteristics of the contemporary environment in which peacekeepers operate and much more.

In Part 3, separate chapters are devoted to different types of peacekeeping operations: traditional peacekeeping; managing transition; wider peacekeeping; peace enforcement; and peace support operations. Part 4 looks forward and examines developments in global politics that are presenting serious challenges to the concept and practice of peacekeeping, namely, globalization, the privatization of security, preventing violent conflict, and the establishment of protectorates. Understanding Peacekeeping will be essential reading for students and scholars of peace and conflict studies, security studies, and international relations.

List of Figures and Maps.List of Boxes and Tables.Acknowledgements.List of Abbreviations.Introduction.Part 1: Concepts and Issues.1 Peacekeeping in Global Politics.2 Who are the Peacekeepers?.Part 2: Historical Development.3 The Early Peacekeepers.4 Peacekeeping After the Cold War.Part 3: Types of Peacekeeping.5 Traditional Peacekeeping.6 Managing Transition.7 Wider Peacekeeping.8 Peace Enforcement.9 Peace-Support Operations.Part 4: Contemporary Challenges.10 Globalization.11 Subcontracting.12 Transitional Administrations.13 Preventing Violent Conflict.Conclusion.Appendix: UN Peacekeeping Operations.Bibliography.Index.