COMMERCIAL SATELLITE IMAGERY AND UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING: A VIEW FROM ABOVE; ED. BY JAMES F. KEELEY

This book examines the possibilities for the use of satellite imagery in support of UN peacekeeping operations, and also to protect the national security of Canada. Experts in the field discuss the needs of peacekeeping operations, the requirements for the use of such imagery and the capabilities for providing it. The organizational, political and other issues which arise from the use of such imagery are also given careful consideration. These papers, first presented in November 2000, describe Canada's perspective on the application of unclassified commercial satellite imagery to national security, disaster and humanitarian services management, and United Nations peacekeeping. Given Canada's involvement with the increasing capabilities of satellite systems as well as its historical involvement with UN operations, contributors hold that it is positioned to offer valuable services in applying technology to the interests of peace and humanitarianism. The 15 article topics include international laws governing satellite imagery, the availability of systems and the future of their technology, development of geospacial technology in nuclear information management, financial considerations, the political subtleties of peacekeeping and intelligence, and access control of remote sensing satellites. The conclusion explores the issue of what is doable compared to what is acceptable. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)