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Outlining a Theoretical Approach

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Towards a Theory of United Nations Peacekeeping

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Abstract

The first three chapters provide grounding in the evolution of peacekeeping. The information presented was essentially descriptive. As was noted, peacekeeping is, at present, an ad hoc response to international conflict and as such has little or no conceptual basis. The purpose of the next three chapters is to develop a conceptual framework for peacekeeping. In order to begin this process, it is necessary to examine the general theoretical foundations of the fields of international relations and conflict management. It is from this background that third party intervention strategies and contingency approaches have emerged. And it is upon these two theoretical domains that a conceptual framework for peacekeeping will be built. While the present chapter will focus on reviewing broad academic areas, Chapters 5 and 6 will focus on bringing together this conceptual material with the descriptive information provided in the first three chapters. Through analysis of these two areas, a theory of peacekeeping will be developed.

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Notes and References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Peace Research Centre, The Australian National University, Australia

    A. B. Fetherston (Post-Doctoral Fellow)

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© 1994 A. B. Fetherston

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Fetherston, A.B. (1994). Outlining a Theoretical Approach. In: Towards a Theory of United Nations Peacekeeping. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-23642-8_4

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