UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo

Dr Ray Murphy is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, National University of Galway, Ireland.

'Many books and articles have been written (and will be in the future) on issues concerning multi-national peace operations. The reason for this is probably the rapidly growing number of interventions as well as the increasing complexity on the ground. Specialisation seems therefore to be in order. This comparative analysis of traditional and second-generation peacekeeping using three case studies - the missions in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo - representing three different geographic regions, rises to this challenge. While keeping in mind their specificity, many of the insights, conclusions and lessons from this analysis can be generalized and applied in ongoing and possible future interventions. Political decision-makers and military planners must, more than in the past, take into account the greater picture and not be limited to short term objective-reaching thinking. They should always evaluate the longer term consequences of each action in an increasingly complex environment. This book should be read by everyone who is involved in the planning, execution and evaluation of peacekeeping operations and in training for such operations. Insights resulting from the analysis of these cases should at least lead to discussion and reflection.' The Military Law and the Law of War Review

• 1. Introduction; 2. The political and diplomatic background to the establishment of peace support operations in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo; 3. Legal framework of UN peacekeeping forces and issues of command and Control; 4. United Nations peacekeeping and the use of force; 5. UN military operations and international humanitarian and human right laws; 6. Conclusion.