Peacekeeping operations have become increasingly complex and multidimensional and today's peacekeepers face new challenges. This report identifies the main criteria against which Australian decision makers should assess whether or not to commit to a peacekeeping operation. The committee is of the view that the Australian government should be satisfied that the mission's mandate has:

• clearly identifiable and achievable objectives;
• adequate resources and level of commitment to meet these objectives;
• proper legal underpinnings;
• force protection that matches the needs on the ground; and
• an exit strategy.