The demand for UN peacekeeping, 1975-1996

A reduced-form equation for UN peacekeeping contributions is derived, based on a joint product model of peacekeeping for which both nation-specific an d worldwide benefits are associated with peacekeeping. A peacekeeping deman d equation is then estimated for each of the 25 primary contributing countr ies for 1975-96. To identify the best set of estimates, we apply a host of specification rests. Results show that contributors responded both to the c omplementarity of the jointly produced peacekeeping benefits and to the ass essment formula. There is little evidence of free riding among sample count ries. Peacekeeping spillins represent the most important determinant of a n ation's peacekeeping contributions. while a contributor's trade total is a second significant determinant for just over a third of the sample. For alm ost every country, income is not a significant factor.