Peacekeeping operations have traditionally involved the deployment of primarily military personnel from a number of countries, under UN command, to help control and resolve armed conflict between hostile parties. From the first deployment of military observers in the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in 1948, UN peacekeeping has evolved to meet the unique demands of sharply different conflicts in a changing political landscape. Born during the cold war years, traditional peacekeeping developed under the ever-present shadow of potential nuclear confrontation. Figures such as Canada's Prime Minister Lester Pearson, UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, his aide Ralph Bunche and personnel in the field from many countries adapted the technique to make peacekeeping an indispensable means for controlling conflict in a divided, tension-ridden world.

Peacekeepers have, as a consequence, sometimes found themselves in situations where ceasefire agreements are ignored, where consent to the UN's presence is called into question, and where government and State institutions have ceased to function or have broken down. Actions by irregular forces and militias which ignore or wilfully violate humanitarian norms, and constantly shifting lines of confrontation have complicated the peacekeeper's task.

The evolution of United Nations peacekeeping in response to these changing needs has meant that a growing number of peacekeeping missions now fit into a new category characterized by complex operations composed of military, civilian police and other civilian personnel. With a mandate to help create political institutions and broaden their base, the United Nations works alongside governments, non-governmental organizations and local citizens' groups to provide emergency relief, demobilize former fighters and reintegrate them into society, clear mines, organize and conduct elections and promote sustainable development practices.

To help build confidence in this vital technique, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has endeavoured to lay secure and adequate foundations for an effective peacekeeping practice and supporting structures. Among other efforts, he convened a Panel on United Nations peacekeeping operations in March 2000. The Panel's recommendations focused on politics and strategy as well as operational and organizational areas. Many of the recommendations related to matters fully within the purview of the Secretary-General, while others required approval by Member States.

The report sparked an intensive dialogue within the General Assembly and the Security Council on the future of United Nations peacekeeping. Member States ultimately responded positively to the majority of the report's recommendations, including the need to strengthen the capacity to support peace operations with adequate personnel and financial resources.