The course is a 12 weeks lecture based on a theoretical analysis of some of the most important issues in UN peace operations and on case studies. The objective of the course is to examine the problems and possibilities of peace operations conducted by the United Nations. The lecture will present the evolution of United Nations peace operations from Traditional Peacekeeping to more ambitious Peace-Building missions. The course aims at presenting the United Nations and its role in the maintenance of peace and international security. It is designed to provide a general knowledge about peace operations.
Learning Outcomes
1. An ability to identify and discuss the key concepts associated with United Nations peace operations;
2. A capacity to evaluate the strengths but also the limits of these operations;
3. To critically evaluate not only UN peace operations but the literature on them;
4. Evaluate alternative policies and strategies;
5. Justify these alternatives.
Professional Skills
The ultimate aim of this course is to help students practice the skills that are critical to success in public service as well as the private sector—deep intellectual knowledge of the core issues of our time; analytical thinking and effective writing skills. Students are also expected to engage the readings fully and actively participate in seminar discussions and debates in the limits of the format of an online lecture.
At the end of the semester students should:
• be familiar with UN peacekeeping operations, their ambitions, achievements and limitations;
• have substantive knowledge of the cases covered by the course;
• have developed a critical approach to current debates and issues regarding UNPK; and
• have developed transferable skills, including critical evaluation, analytical investigation, written presentation and communication.
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester