This study examines the changing nature of UN peacekeeping operations, with particular emphasis on the Somalia experience. The study also explores the implications of the changing nature of peacekeeping for Canadian foreign and defence policy. The author concludes that structural factors in the form of the changing nature of peacekeeping operations cannot fully or adequately explain the incidents of misconduct by members of the Canadian Airborne Battle Group in Somalia.

The author recommends that Canada continue to participate in UN peacekeeping operations as they remain consistent with Canadian foreign policy interests in the post-Cold War world. However, in order to reconcile future demand with increasingly limited resources, Canada should expand its capacity to deploy smaller military and/or civilian formations with specialized capabilities to fill niche roles within UN missions when regular formed units are unavailable for expeditionary duties.