Are peacekeeping missions really keeping peace?

The aim of this course is to examine the problems and possibilities of United Nations (UN) peace operations. The roles and responsibilities of peacekeepers are evolving as peacekeeping mandates become more complex and multidimensional. Peacekeeping operations have developed from simply monitoring ceasefires to protecting civilians, disarming ex-combatants, protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, supporting free and fair elections, minimizing the risk of land-mines and much more. As of today, there are 12 active missions with over 90,000 personnel deployed.

Civilians have increasingly become the victims of armed conflict. In response, the Security Council has made protecting civilians a focus of modern peacekeeping. The vast majority of peacekeepers today serve in missions with mandates that prioritize the protection of civilians (POC). The POC mandate is often the yardstick by which the success or failure of peacekeeping missions is assessed. But not only civilians are increasingly the target of violence. Tragically over 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives, making many countries wary of contributing troops to the field.

This course is an introduction to the UN’s role in maintaining peace and international security. The subject is relevant for all those who want to focus on conflict or security studies, international organizations, global governance or other subfields in international relations, or are interested in pursuing a career working with a UN organization. The instructor not only focuses her own research on civil-military coordination but also has practical work experience with a UN peacekeeping mission in the field.