Richard Caplan Book order

An essential and accessible guide to the assessment of the effectiveness of peace-building policies for all those working in, or studying, the area.

This major new work provides a comprehensive treatment of recent attempts at international governance of war-torn territories. Drawing on extensive interviews with international officials, independent analysts, and journalists, as well as many official documents, Richard Caplan examines the nature of international administration operations since the mid-1990s, their effectiveness, and the key operational and political challenges which arise.

The book delves into Germany's influential role in the recognition of states during the Yugoslav crisis, highlighting the significant departure from traditional state practices by the European Community's use of political criteria for recognition. It assesses the consequences of these actions, examining their impact on European security policy post-Cold War, the interplay between international law and relations, and strategies for managing ethnic conflict. Caplan provides a critical analysis of the broader implications of the EC's decisions in this tumultuous period.

Focusing on the international administrations of Bosnia, Eastern Slavonia, Kosovo, and East Timor, this study offers significant insights into the roles of international organizations in managing conflicts. It addresses the challenges faced in failed states and contested territories, making it a vital resource for understanding conflict resolution and governance in complex geopolitical contexts.