Why have there been no more ‘affairs’ like Somalia, Rwanda and Srebrenica?

Abstract

Klep, Christ, Somalië, Rwanda, Srebrenica. De nasleep van drie ontspoorde vredesmissies (Dissertatie Utrecht 2008; Amsterdam: Boom, 2008, 385 blz., ISBN 978 90 8506 668 2)In his dissertation, Dr. Klep concentrates on peace operations and their aftermath as fairly domestic matters in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands. These three peace operations also fit, however, into an international development at the end of the Cold War. Classic, ‘blue’ peacekeeping was largely replaced by more robust ‘green’ international interventions that are not only more dangerous, but during which much more is expected of the peacekeeping forces. New ‘affairs’ surrounding peace operations have not occurred. The un and national governments are less inclined to begin such missions (namely Daurfur). Presumably the armed forces of several countries have drawn lessons from the peace operations that went off the rails. Also the public is less shocked by accusations of misconduct under difficult circumstances.