52 p. The United Nations was formed with the aim of maintaining world peace, stability and order. During the Cold War and post-Cold War era, many states around the globe experienced violent conflicts. In any case, the United Nations got involved in peacekeeping missions in many conflict zones - with mixed results. The aim of this research is to unravel why peacekeeping operation failed in Somalia and Rwanda in the early 1990s. The study would show that given the determinants of peacekeeping success and failure (consensus and the decision to act, mandate, funding and the national interest of the Permanent five (P5) of the Security Council). National interest of the P5 is the main element that combines with the other three factors in achieving a successful peacekeeping operation. Master of Science (International Relations)