Intelligence is a prerequisite for effective performance in complex peace operations. In international peace operations we have to take collective measures to prevent, mitigate and remove the threats to peace. This collective action is especially true within the area of intelligence where multilateral cooperation is less likely than in most other policy areas.

Today peace operations are multidisciplinary and multidimensional. Complex peace operations bring together many different actors, agencies, funds and programmes. All of them need a mechanism that makes it easier to share intelligence and assessments efficiently. In those operations it is necessary that there is a flow of information and intelligence relevant to the mission as a whole between all participants.

To be able to present well balanced options and to correctly assess the threat to the peace process and to provide assessments to the decision makers there is a need  to develop an clear understanding of the issues that impact on the mission.

At the Folke Bernadotte Academy we have an annual training in “Information and Intelligence Cooperation in Multifunctional International Peace Operations.” We also participate in debates and conferences concerning intelligence in peace operations.

 
The best security is knowledge, acceptance and confidence

 Security of staff in the field is paramount in all peace missions. Whilst the notion of acceptable risk is clearly needed in order for such operations to be undertaken, it is clear that all measures that can be taken to safeguard  the wellbeing if those actors working towards peace, be they humanitarians, diplomat or even businesses.

In 2008 more humanitarian workers were killed in the field than armed peacekeeping troops. In the first ten month of 2009 there were more than nine attacks against embassies around the world showing that the continued threat of violence against the diplomatic missions remains unabated.

For staff travelling to hostile environments developing good security awareness is as important as taking out an adequate insurance policy. This awareness development should begin at home with specific training by professionals with years of field experience. The Folke Bernadotte Academy not only runs specific security courses but also incorporates security training in many of its other courses for field staff

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In what was considered to be a validation of the quality of it teaching facilities and staff the Folke Bernadotte Academy was selected by the European Unions´s Security Office to jointly run a two week training course for its Mission Security Officers. This course will be repeated on at least two occasions in 2010.