ABSTRACT
This chapter is about multi-national peacekeeping operations (PKOs) of more limited natures than the massive reconstruction and stabilization programs, including anti-insurgent and counter-terrorist activity, associated with Afghanistan and Iraq. Moral issues pertinent to military personnel serving in peacekeeping operations are explored as well as discussed. Given the proximity of peacekeepers to the local population, the use of force must address the need for protection of people and the need of interaction with them. Given that mandates for operations both prescribe and limit the use of force, and that the mission, the soldiers, and the civilian population are exposed to risks alike, military troops must employ use of force in a restrained, creative, yet disciplined manner to accomplish the overall aim of the mission, while at the same time protecting civilians. Moreover, since the mindset of peacekeepers and the requirements of PKOs differ significantly from combat training and war-like operations, the ethics of peacekeeping will always be distinctive and daring, not easily available for any national military culture without thoughtful, prudent, and deliberate adaptation.
