DAFF 25A48 - UNPK : Theory & Practice

The aim of the course is to examine the problems and possibilities of peace operations conducted by the United Nations. Throughout the Cold War, the United Nations undertook a small number of traditional peacekeeping missions (PK) that helped to bring peace and security to some war torn regions. Most of those missions were small and basically uncontroversial (except Congo). No ambitious operations could be undertaken politically because Cold War antagonisms prevented the Security Council from approving ambitious interventions — the Security Council was politically deadlocked by the possibility of the use of the veto by one of its five permanent members. In the early 1990's, just after the Cold War ended, there was a huge growth in the number of peacekeeping missions undertaken by the UN. Most of these new missions were much more ambitious than traditional peacekeeping missions—often called “Second-Generation Peacekeeping.” These missions included aggressive humanitarian intervention, democracy building and peacemaking among other goals. These interventions were sometimes deemed “successful” as in Namibia or Mozambique or “failures” at other times as in Rwanda, Somalia or the former Yugoslavia. In fact, all the missions had elements of success and failure, as is clearly true in the former Yugoslavia. There is much to be learned from these numerous peace operations.

Ronald HATTO

Séminaire

English

A basic knowledge of world politics/international relations.

Spring 2024-2025

1) An Oral Presentation (exposé) (40% of the grade) An outline of the presentation is required for the professor. 2) A Final Take-Home Exam (50% of the grade). The take-home will be sent to you after the last session. You will have a few days to answer one question. The length of the exam is around 2,000 words. The questions may be on any topic seen during the semester. 3) Class Participation & Discussion (10% of the grade). Your online participation in this class is extremely important. As such, class participation will constitute 10% of your final grade. The class participation grade will derive from regular attendance and discussion and analysis. Please be aware that skipping class (unexcused absences) will impact your grade in this area.