The international administrations of Eastern Slavonia, Bosnia, Kosovo and East Timor represent some of the boldest experiments in the management and settlement of intra-state conflict ever attempted by the United Nations and other third parties. In each case these bodies have assumed responsibility for the governance of territories to a degree unprecedented in recent history. This paper analyzes and assesses the effectiveness of international administrations of war-torn territories and discusses the key issues - strategic, political and economic - that arise in the context of these experiences. It reflects on the policy implications of these experiences and recommends reforms or new approaches to international administration.