The Oxford Handbook of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations presents an innovative, authoritative, and accessible examination and critique of all United Nations peacekeeping operations launched between 1948 and 2013. Since the late 1940s, but particularly since the end of the Cold War, peacekeeping has been the most visible and one of the most important activities of the United Nations and a significant part of global security governance and conflict management. The volume offers a chapter-by-chapter chronological analysis, designed to provide a comprehensive overview that highlights the evolution and impact of UN peacekeeping. It also includes a collection of thematic chapters that examine key issues such as “major trends of peace operations,” “the link between peacekeeping, humanitarian interventions and the responsibility to protect,” “peacekeeping and international law,” “the UN's inter-organizational partnerships” and “how to evaluate success or failure.” The volume brings together leading scholars and senior practitioners in order to provide a comprehensive assessment of the successes, failures and lessons learned of UN peacekeeping since 1948. As with all Oxford Handbooks, the volume will be agenda-setting in importance, providing the authoritative point of reference for all those working throughout international relations and beyond.