About Book

This book examines the role of international organisations (IOs) as gatekeepers to international legitimacy for peace enforcement operations. Katharina P. Coleman analyzes the political dynamics behind five major operations launched through four different IOs: ECOWAS' intervention in Liberia, SADC operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lesotho, NATO's Kosovo campaign, and the UN intervention in East Timor. The author investigates the critical importance of securing IO mandates to establish the legitimacy of military interventions, providing insight into the ways international relations and political structures shape the efficacy and acceptance of peace enforcement missions. Relevance to Current Era: This book holds significant relevance today, especially in light of ongoing debates about international interventions, military operations, and the legitimacy of peace enforcement actions. The United States' intervention in Iraq and other contemporary conflicts highlight the challenges of securing international legitimacy for peacekeeping and enforcement operations. The book’s insights are particularly pertinent as states and international organizations navigate the complexities of military intervention, humanitarian missions, and post-conflict reconstruction in a globalized world.