Keeping the peace: stories of Australian peacekeepers - The Future
There are many critics of peacekeeping. Yet never before in history have so many worked to alleviate the misery of distant, unrelated people. Never before have the problems of all peoples seemed worth solving.
For the international community, peacekeeping is a work in progress. The future may see closer integration of civilians and military, as today in Bougainville. Police will play an ever larger role. Robust rules of engagement and adequate force could help the military side of peacekeeping be more effective.
One thing is certain: in the wake of Australia's success in East Timor, the international community will continue to look to us to contribute.