Peacekeeping, while not a concept found in the United Nations Charter, has become an important technique in defusing conflict among the nations of the world. In the past 40 years, the United Nations has carried out 15 peace-keeping operations, often with the assistance of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Peace-keeping operations have used soldiers to keep the peace in beleaguered countries. For peace-keeping operations to succeed, they must have the political and diplomatic support of governments as well as financial and logistic support. In addition, the peace-keeping operation must have a mandate that is workable, realistic, and supported by the international community and the parties to the conflict. Peace-keeping troops must be well-disciplined, well-trained, and effectively led. They must at all times be under the direction and guidance of the U.N. Secretary General and they must clearly understand their mission and responsibilities. The author argues for increased respect for the operations of the United Nations and its role as peace-keeper and resolver of conflicts. 4 references.