Warriors for Peace: A Sociological Study on the Austrian Experience of UN Peacekeeping

This study deals with sociological and sociopsychological aspects of UN Peacekeeping missions focusing on the Austrian experience. The study is broad and descriptive covering a spectrum that ranges from the soldier’s motivation to join UN-troops to the social and psychological problems encountered during service. The main purpose is to give a broad overview of work-related experiences during the tour of duty. The emphasis is on the Austrian soldier’s life and his experiences as a peacekeeper. The study focuses primarily on an Austrian battalion (AUSBATT/UNDOF) deployed to the Golan Heights. Their mission can be considered a traditional UN Peacekeeping operation. In addition, some data on the Austrian IFOR contingent to Bosnia is included.