The Future of U.N. Peacekeeping: A Conversation with Hervé Ladsous

Since 1948, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to assist host countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Today, the system is under more pressure than ever as its missions respond to crises around the globe while effectively managing constraints on capacity and additional responsibilities. Peacekeepers are increasingly called upon to protect civilians in the midst of conflict, assist in political processes and support the return of displaced persons.

On June 17, the Brookings-LSE Project on Internal Displacement hosted a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the United Nations peacekeeping system. Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, gave an address on his experience as the head of U.N. Peacekeeping and the efforts of his department to maintain international peace and security, particularly in response to the current crises in Mali and the Central African Republic. Brookings Acting Vice-President and Director of Foreign Policy Ted Piccone provided an introduction and Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon moderated the discussion.

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