Book excerpt: This volume presents complementary analyses of the current features, issues and trends of multilateral security and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) peace operations. The work presents an astute interpretation of the attributes of ESDP operations in the context of the diffusion of peace operations practice at the present time. Founded on the detailed examination of different peace operations and the analysis of relevant data, the book allows for the assessment of the near future of peace operations.