"The EU has increased its commitment in response to crises, however, in the face of new threats and emerging crises, its capacity to build a distinctive role in crisis management remains problematic. Resurging divergences in major member states' positions, requiring dual adaptation of the EU level of governance with the national projection of interests, are posing a serious challenge to the objective of a more integrated European defense and security strategy. This collection offers valuable insights for understanding how a distinctive EU vision on peace missions has emerged and whether it is there to last. Bringing an innovative perspective to European Union engagement in peace operations, this volume combines theoretical reflection with the analysis of empirical case studies that illustrate not only the EU's action in the framework of its Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), but also how it engages with other actors in the field including international organisations, non-governmental organisations and local citizens"--