This book investigates the complex and often contentious role of the United Nations in managing and resolving civil wars during the post-Cold War era. Thomas G. Weiss, a distinguished scholar in international relations, draws upon extensive research and analysis of UN peacekeeping operations, diplomatic interventions, and humanitarian efforts. The work examines the evolving mandates, operational challenges, and political constraints faced by the UN as it navigated a landscape of intrastate conflicts.

This book is recognized as a significant academic contribution to the study of international organizations and conflict resolution. Scholars in international relations and political science have cited Weiss's work for its detailed analysis of the UN's operational realities and its critical examination of peacekeeping effectiveness. The book is considered a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of multilateral intervention in intrastate conflicts during a pivotal period.