3-9. Peace operations are crisis response and limited contingency operations. These operations frequently include international military missions to contain conflict, restore peace, and shape an environment to support reconciliation and rebuilding as well as to facilitate the transition to legitimate governance. Peace operations may be conducted under the sponsorship of the United Nations, another international organization, within a coalition of agreeing nations, or unilaterally. They often require a higher emphasis on stability operations than on offense and defense operations.