In collaboration with Durham University, this special student-led episode explores contemporary challenges of United Nations peacekeeping. Recorded as part of the postgraduate module “Contemporary Challenges of United Nations Peacekeeping (SGIA48815)” at Durham’s School of Government and International Affairs, the conversation brings together real-world experience and academic insight.

Max and Tony reflect on their deployments and contrast national military structures with multinational peacekeeping efforts. From the role of special forces and intelligence sharing to the challenges of building military culture in complex operations, this episode examines what happens when mandates, strategy, and ground realities don’t always align.

With contributions from Durham’s Class of 2025, this discussion sets the stage for Part 2—featuring former UN diplomat Peter de Clercq.

Durham SGIA X: https://x.com/durham_sgia

Module Handbook: https://apps.dur.ac.uk/faculty.handbook/2022/PG/module/SGIA48815

Recommended Reading if you want to dig deeper

Does Peacekeeping Work? by Virginia Page Fortna – https://amzn.to/3XK5CCl

Understanding Peacekeeping by Paul D. Williams – https://amzn.to/4iV0SlS

More from Underground Strategy

Discover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com