Rethinking United Nations peacekeeping missions: the case of Western Sahara

Research output: Types of ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

This study aims to address a simple question: is the current strategy of conflict resolution defined and developed by the United Nations sustainable, or should a new model be adopted? To answer this, this work has presented an analysis of the evolution of the concept of conflict, as defined by several crucial authors, such as Lewis Coser, Ralph Dahrendorf, and Raymond Aron. Once a suitable definition was found, several theories on conflict resolution were addressed, particularly the works of Edward Azar, John Galtung, and the development of this notion within the United Nations, mainly focused in former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali report, An Agenda for Peace. Then, this thesis focuses on presenting the evolution of peacekeeping operations through time. In a critical analysis, it stresses the missions’ lack of communication, resources, preparation, and political will. With unfit and unclear mandates, their main goal of reaching an agreement is insufficient in today’s world. This study shows that an agreement will not take away years of resentment and hate, nor will it lead people to a peaceful coexistence after years of violence and war. In line with these conclusions, this study proposes John Paul Lederach’s theory on Conflict Transformation as an alternative strategy to rethink peacekeeping operations. Highlighting the importance of relationships to achieve reconciliation, it emphasizes the central role individuals must play to achieve peace. Through the example of the conflict in Western Sahara, this work concludes that there is the need to rethink peace operations as a whole. Beginning in 1975, this conflict lasts for 40 years, without a foreseeable end. This research goes further by arguing that this new approach suggested by Lederach can help unlock this stalemate when everything else seems to have failed. If applied, it can improve parties’ communication and understanding of the other, thus providing them with tools to create and envision a new shared future.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Institute for Political Studies
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Dias, Mónica, Supervisor
Award date18 Mar 2021
Publication statusPublished - 18 Mar 2021

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