Numerous internal insurgencies in Africa have caused massive population displacements, poverty and human suffering. The focus of this book is the Liberian crisis of 1989-1997 and the West African peace initiative. Part One traces the history of the Liberian nation. Part Two consists of six case studies, divided into two sections: unilateral interventions by powerful nations in internal insurgency in poor nations, and multilateral intervention by other nations under the umbrella of the United Nations (or regional groups like CSCE/NATO) in internal conflict situations. The history and evolution of the modern concept of peacekeeping operations is also traced. Part Three critically appraises the West African peace initiative in Liberia, drawing on the previous case studies.