Mention “peacekeeping forces” and the first thing that comes to mind is the role they play in conflict resolution, often in dangerous conditions. But there have been serious issues with the way peacekeepers have interacted with the communities they are attempting to protect. Jasmine-Kim Westendorf is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at La Trobe University, whose research focuses on conflict and peace studies. In this episode of Research in Focus, Jasmin chats with Lawrie Zion about how sometimes peacekeeping forces recreate the problems they are trying to prevent, and discusses her research into the often-undiscussed issue of sexual abuse by peacekeepers. For more on Jasmine’s research: https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/display/jwestendorf

Research in Focus is a La Trobe University podcast, produced by Lawrie Zion and Lauren Gawne. Support for this podcast comes from La Trobe University’s Transforming Human Societies Research Focus Area. This podcast is edited by Max Robins and hosted by Upstart. Music is Bright Future by Silent Partner. Recorded April 27th, 2018.