What are the outcomes of the various experiences of peacekeeping?

The purpose of this study was to examine peacekeeping experiences in their most meaningful context. The aim was to attempt to formulate a hypothesis based on interpretations, deductions and conclusions drawn from collected data. A qualitative constant comparison method was applied, and grounded theory was employed to enable the concurrent collection and analysis of data. The data was gathered by means of a questionnaire which was answered by respondents from both Finland and Ireland, the required respondents being either serving or having served as peacekeepers. The participants answered a request that was posted on peacekeeping websites, and consequently there were thirteen respondents, eight of whom were Irish and five of whom were Finnish. They answered questions that addressed among other topics, their reasons for choosing to become peacekeepers, their experience of multinational environments, contact with host societies, perceptions of vulnerability, personal memories, and if or how their experience had changed them in any discernible way. What emerged from the study was evidence that cultural and intercultural awareness were significant, but mostly unrecognized components of, and consequences of peacekeeping service. This was reflected in the manner in which the respondents referred to peacekeepers of other nationalities, the cultures of host societies, and how they expressed an awareness of their own place in the World. The principal conclusion of the thesis was the hypothesis that in the light of the significant cultural contexts of peacekeeping, intercultural and gender awareness education could enhance peacekeeping effectiveness and that future research might generate the quantity and quality of data necessary for broad based and far reaching programmes of education to be formulated that would be an integral component of peacekeeping training