Is the world prepared to use military force to protect civilians from mass violence? In 2001, the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty argued that when nations failed to protect their citizens from large-scale violence and genocide, the international community should take on that "responsibility to protect." As policymakers embrace the idea of such a responsibility, more attention is needed on how military missions should protect civilians and what multinational organizations and national armed services are doing to prepare for such operations. This study looks at these tough questions, examines various concepts of civilian protection and identifies the challenges. It considers likely international actors and the tools used to prepare forces - mandates, rules of engagement, doctrine, and training - to support their missions. Key issues confronting peacekeepers mandated to protect civilians are examined in the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This book identifies clear gaps that must be addressed if aspirations to protect civilians are to transcend rhetoric and translate into effective action in the field.

The Impossible Mandate? Military Preparedness, the Responsibility to Protect and Modern Peace Operations

Politics & Social Sciences

Victoria K. Holt and Tobias C. Berkman

Politics & Government

The Henry L. Stimson Center

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Victoria K. Holt and Tobias C. Berkman. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Victoria K. Holt and Tobias C. Berkman

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Victoria K. Holt and Tobias C. Berkman. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Impossible Mandate? Military Preparedness, the Responsibility to Protect and Modern Peace Operations