ABSTRACT
The current international response to conflict is a study in complexity, involving many different types of institutions, mandates, rules of engagement, decision-making structures and capabilities. The complexity itself can become a factor determining the success or failure of a third-party intervention, as these institutions launch competing initiatives or fail to support efforts by other peacemakers. 1 In no situation is this cacophony and its potential to do harm more noticeable than in the peace operations or complex emergencies that bring together the military, diplomats, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a humanitarian effort to stop the fighting and protect the innocent.
