The book titled "Keeping Peace in a Turbulent World: Reflections from the Field" offers a profound and comprehensive insight into the experiences of UN peacekeepers, with a particular focus on Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
A book with stories or other texts written by multiple authors is called an anthology.
This book honours the bravery and selflessness of UN peacekeepers by presenting their insightful observations. Engaging with this book will provide readers with insightful perspectives from individuals who have firsthand experience with peacekeeping, as well as inspiring ideas.
This anthology, edited by Kawser Ahmed and Del H Khan, is a tribute to the brave individuals who serve in some of the most dangerous and conflict-ridden regions of the world and who take life risk for the sake of piece! Cambridge Scholars Publishing released the book in 2023.
As the sole translator of such a ground-breaking work, I have had the unique opportunity to dive deeply into each narrative, understanding the nuances and the profound messages conveyed by the contributors, as the book is not yet available in Bangladesh.
The preface and introduction set a reflective and poignant tone for the book as the chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh, addressed all the contributors for peace while the editors highlighted their motivations for compiling these stories, emphasising the long-lasting impact of recognising and understanding the sacrifices made by peacekeepers. However, what sets the book apart, especially, is the narrative inquiry approach adopted in this book, which is particularly noteworthy as it allows for a rich, first-person perspective on peacekeeping operations (PKOs).
The proverb ‘Once a soldier, always a soldier’, to some extent, is true but those selected few for peacekeeping may defy a bit of contraction for the sake of peace not to be the killing spree, nourishing the humane approach to each problem in turbulent areas as they get through rigorous training where they get trained to be the peacemakers.
And that process, as in, the training helps the peacekeepers take a new approach to life. This book provides a detailed account of their lived experiences, offering valuable lessons and inspiration.
The book is divided into several parts, each focusing on different aspects of peacekeeping. The personal narratives from Bangladeshi peacekeepers are both heartbreaking and inspiring, providing a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced in various missions, such as in Mali, Ivory Coast, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone. These stories are complemented by contributions from former UN force commanders and subject matter experts, adding depth and a broader perspective to the narrative.
As a translator, one of the significant challenges I took on was preserving the authenticity and emotional intensity of the original Bengali stories while making them accessible to an international audience. The original narratives are rich with cultural references and expressions unique to the Bangladeshi experience. Maintaining these elements required careful consideration and a deep understanding of both languages and cultures. The goal was to ensure that the translated text conveyed the same level of sincerity, resilience, and hope that characterised the original accounts.
There are several key themes that emerge from the book:
- Sacrifice and Resilience: The peacekeepers' narratives of the real incidents elucidate their immense personal sacrifices and extreme resilience in the face of danger.
- Cultural Integration and Challenges: Many narratives explore the complexities of cultural integration and the challenges of operating in foreign environments with diverse sociopolitical dynamics.
- Leadership and Decision-Making: Insights from former commanders provide a meticulous look at the leadership and strategic decision-making processes involved in peacekeeping operations.
- Innovative Approaches and Future Directions: Contributions from experts discuss the evolving nature of PKOs and the need for innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges.
"Keeping Peace in a Turbulent World" is a lot more than just a collection of narratives of real events from the on-field peacekeepers; it shows the strategic leverage they utilised, their no-compromise attitude towards negativity, their bravery in taking life risks, their negotiation ability, and their ability to spearhead critical conditions towards peace to minimise the insurmountable effect on the civilians. To say it another way, it’s no less than a landmark or the golden flare of glory.
It serves as both a tribute to their efforts and a call to action for continued support and recognition of peacekeeping missions worldwide. As a translator, it has been a privilege to help bring these important narratives to a wider audience, ensuring that the voices of those who serve on the front lines of peace are heard and appreciated globally.
This book is highly recommended for students, scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate and often perilous world of UN peacekeeping. It not only educates but also inspires, fostering a deeper appreciation for the essential role of peacekeepers in our global society.
