Peacekeeping in the international system: Theory, policy and practice

In this unit, you will examine peace operations using three levels of analysis: international, national and local, and assess the role each level plays in the success and failure of peace operations. In the first third of the unit, you will study the history of peacekeeping – how it was conceived by the UN and the different types of UN peacekeeping missions (traditional, multi-dimensional and stabilization) that have evolved over time in response to shifts in international politics. Following that, we explore how IR theory has been applied to peacekeeping, in particular focusing on debates between liberal and critical theorists. In the remainder of the unit you will consider peacekeeping policy and practice. We will focus on the challenges peacekeeping faces which include: the impact of the crisis of multilateralism in the UNSC; implementing the mandate at mission level; demonstrating impartiality, winning legitimacy; building credibility and promoting local ownership in the field. Empirical topics include: peacebuilding, the protection of civilians (POC), peace enforcement, counterterrorism, the women peace and security (WPS) agenda, non-UN peacekeeping, regional peacekeeping initiatives, and the psychology of peacekeeping. Your learning experience will be enhanced by participation in role play, presentations, and grouped debates throughout the unit.