India in Sierra Leone: A case of muscular peacekeeping?

This article examines the contemporary debate over the use of ‘robust peacekeeping’, with particular reference to India's leadership of the UN mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). While the effectiveness of the mission took a decisive turn once UN troops intervened more ‘robustly’, there are wider consequences and lessons from such action that need to be considered by India and other leading contributors to peacekeeping operations. These include more clearly defined mandates; closer coordination between chains of command; improved communications between UNHQ and mission commanders; more careful consideration to the composition of forces; and more selective intervention in regional and international crises.