Peacekeeping armies: how the politics of peace operations shape military organizations.

The article theorizes the concept of a "peacekeeping army," defined as a national military that has institutionally reformed to regularly perform peacekeeping functions at a significant scale relative to its active forces and prioritizes international peacekeeping as a top strategic goal. It identifies political, economic, and institutional motives—such as enhancing international prestige, securing financial benefits, and modernizing military institutions—as primary drivers for states, often weaker or poorer ones like Burundi, Ghana, Rwanda, and Uruguay, to develop such armies. The article examines how peacekeeping armies influence soldiers, military organizations, and peacekeeping practices, noting potential effects on operational experience, military identity, and mission duration. It also highlights policy implications, including the reliance of these armies on external support and their possible higher tolerance for casualties in dangerous missions compared to democratic states.