Includes bibliographical references and index

We have all seen press and television pictures of winding lines of refugees in Africa or on mountain passes in Europe and felt that 'something must be done'. In this urgent new book William Shawcross reveals what lies behind decisions by the 'international community' to intervene in a situation on humanitarian grounds, and what happens when the troops and aid agencies move in. It is a story of noble aspirations and often ignoble real politik. To tell the story of international peacekeeping in the last ten years Shawcross has gone where the warlords and the action are - Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Somalia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and East Timor - and made full use of the privileged access he has had to the peacemakers, including global policy-makers, leading diplomats and key humanitarian aid officials. All of us would wish to be delivered from evil: Shawcross demonstrates what actually happens when our wish appears to be granted.