UN peacekeeping operations are generally known as being based on the principles of consent, impartiality, and minimum use of force (for self-defense and protection of mandates only). However, we have entered an era when we cannot take for granted that a ceasefire or peace agreement, consent to peace operations, and no use of force are the preconditions for such operations, as was the case for peacekeeping in the past. At times peacekeeping is carried out even though the peace agreement is in name only or when the political resolution of conflict has not been reached.
 
In other words, peacekeeping today has become an activity demanding high-level skills on the part of both military and civilian sectors aimed at a certain political goal (bringing conflict to an end, moving a situation toward stabilization or peace). Realistically, when the region or country accepting such peacekeeping activities is unstable, the side sending in personnel for that purpose (the UN and its participating nations), is expected to be prepared to deal with possible contingencies.
 
This book is an attempt to take a new look at the gap between the doctrine and the reality of peacekeeping practices undertaken by an international research team in cooperation with researchers at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. Examples would include the current UN Peacekeeping operations in Mali and the Republic of Congo, which have been facing great difficulties in carrying out their mandates relating to stabilization and protection of civilians in the absence of a political settlement of the conflict. This book, based on the recognition that such examples have grown more frequent, is a cutting-edge study examining the impact of such cases on the doctrine of peacekeeping operations.
 
A doctrine refers to a set of principles to be flexibly applied or considered to guide operations (it should be noted that it is not intended to be applied mechanically). The basic stance of this book is to ask whether, given the great changes that have taken place in the realities of conflict, the existing principles of UN peacekeeping are serving to provide appropriate guidance. If inappropriate principles are applied, naturally the costs of the operations will rise and the possibility of failure will increase. That is not to say that only appropriate doctrine necessarily results in success, but only if the principles are clear will it be possible to properly evaluate the operations and learn lessons from them.
 
The book presents a new classification of UN Peacekeeping activities and empirically examines the gap between emerging peacekeeping practice and existing doctrine, mainly for the following three categories.
 
• Support for newly established states and administrations (South Sudan, Kosovo and Timor Leste)
• Protection of civilians in the absence of peace agreements (Darfur, Central African Republic/Chad, Haiti, Côte d’Ivoire)
• Protection of governments from insurgency (Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali)
 
The book argues that a new stabilization doctrine is needed, that is based upon fundamentally different principles from existing peacekeeping doctrine and presents directions for revision.
 
The book also provides an overview of the historical changes in UN peacekeeping doctrine and analyzes the efforts made by leading member states (U.S., U.K., China, Russia, and key troop-contributing countries) in formulating those doctrines.


Translated into English from the original Japanese text written by AOI Chiyuki

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Reviews:
'Peacekeeping is a creation of practice rather than law, and it has gone through many transformations since its creation. As conflicts go through a profound mutation, so should peacekeeping. This volume offers important recommendations that should help peacekeeping reinvent itself, going beyond principles that are no more adapted to the realities of contemporary conflict.' - Jean-Marie Guehenno, the former UN Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping and currently the President & CEO of the International Crisis Group (ICG)
 
'Aoi, Karlsrud and De Coning have produced a timely and relevant study on the changing nature of UN Peacekeeping, focusing on the widening gap between principles and practice, and the need to upgrade doctrine to include key concepts such as stabilization. The authors not only focus on the current challenges posed by the latest generation of lethal non-state actors, but they also offer direction for how UN Peacekeeping doctrine and political realties can be reconciled.' – Dr. Karin von Hippel, Director General, Royal United Service Institute
 
'Realistic. Timely. objective. Extremely necessary. Touch the key point: principles, doctrine and practice; the most important question in UN peacekeeping. All the peacekeepers, from New York to the field should read this book, fundamental to protect civilians and UN itself.' - Lt.Gen. Carlos Alberto Santos Cruz, former Force Commander of the UN mission in the Congo (MONUSCO)
 
'At a time when peace operations are confronting increasingly complex and dangerous challenges, the United Nations' High Level Panel could only begin a much-needed attempt to bring doctrine and practice closer together. This thoughtful volume significantly advances this essential task: both practitioners and analysts should read it and be provoked to engage in a debate which is vital for the UN and its partners.' - Ian Martin, Executive Director, Security Council Report and member of the UN High Level Panel on Peace Operations
 
'The security architecture of the 21st century places an increasing reliance on the use of force in peacekeeping. The Security Council has crafted mandates, which in some cases go beyond the existing norms of peacekeeping and this has resulted in situations where existing physical and doctrinal deficiencies leaves peacekeepers vulnerable and unsuitable for the task. This book works towards identifying the gaps between international ambitions, present doctrine, principles, operational procedures and actual practice, reappraises the doctrinal deficit and presents options for a UN doctrine for future missions. Undoubtedly a valuable literary addition to the UN Peacekeeping reform process that is presently underway.' - Lt.Gen. Abhijit Guha, former Deputy Military Advisor to the UN and member of the UN High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations
 

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