'Feeling the Pulse' : A case study of the Dutch military forces present in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the consolidation phase of peacebuilding

While the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement was advancing, the international community decided to gradually decrease the number of international military forces in Bosnia- Herzegovina, from 60,000 in 1995 to 2,500 in 2007. In order to uphold military presence throughout the country, so called Liaison and Observation Teams (LOTs) were introduced. The LOTs are located in the heart of cities and are supposed to 'feel the pulse' of Bosnia. Exactly how this is done, or what it entails, remains unclear from the few accounts that exist on the concept. However, for the LOTs to fulfil their task, they need to be able to assess the post-conflict situation. Such an assessment involves certain assumptions about the origins of conflict and the nature of peace. This study focuses on tracing these assumptions, thereby providing more insight into the LOT-concept. The results of the study can come of use to policymakers and academics who are interested in the way LOTs can contribute to an exit strategy after military intervention.