Читать книгу Understanding Peacekeeping - Alex J. Bellamy - Страница 29

It is important to recognize the concepts and theories that inform our understanding of peace operations and their relationship with world politics more generally. Otherwise, we are likely to overlook the way in which unspoken theories and assumptions determine what is considered important and the political commitments that shape the theory and practice of peace operations. It is vital to scrutinize our theoretical assumptions, to understand which level or unit of analysis we are adopting, and to remain curious about the perspectives, interests and values being marginalized or excluded. Until very recently, one of the most obscured perspectives in this field of study was that of the subjects of peace operations – the very people that the peacekeepers are ostensibly trying to help.

Having set out some basic parameters for the study of peace operations, in chapter 2 we identify who deploys peacekeepers, the most important institutions that guide what they do, and how peace operations are assembled and financed.