Accession Number:

ADA278986

Title:

UN Peacekeeping Missions: The Lessons from Cambodia (Asia Pacific Issues)

Descriptive Note:

Rept. no. 11

Corporate Author:

EAST-WEST CENTER HONOLULU HI

Personal Author(s):

• Ledgerwood, Judy L.

Report Date:

1994-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

Abstract:

As the United Nations re-evaluates peacekeeping operations following setbacks in Somalia and Bosnia, it can point to the overall success of its mission in Cambodia. The massive UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia UNTAC helped to rebuild a country shattered by a brutal dictatorship and a dozen years of civil war. The UN force withdrew after organizing free elections that put a coalition government in place. Something clearly went right in Cambodia, says Judy L. Ledgerwood, who served with UNTACs information and education section. Ledgerwood gives an on-the-ground view of the missions successes and shortcomings and provides advice for future peacekeeping missions. Most effective were the election operation and the radio station least successful was an undisciplined civilian police force. The mission was also hampered by UN bureaucracy and staffing shortages as well as inattention to social problems such as prostitution and HIVAIDS. The gains are now threatened by an unrepentant Khmer Rouge force still getting assistance from across the border in Thailand.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY ASSISTANCE
• *JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES
• *UNITED NATIONS
• *MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS
• *CAMBODIA
• *UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
• *CIVIL AFFAIRS
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT
• ELECTIONS
• SOUTHEAST ASIA
• UNITED STATES
• MISSIONS
• INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• NATIONAL SECURITY
• LESSONS LEARNED

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Geography
• Military Forces and Organizations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Unconventional Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE