The League of Nations and subsequently the United Nations were major milestones in the history of global peace. The idea behind these institutions was modern and necessary. Thenceforth, the international community agreed on rules governing International Humanitarian Law and peace keeping strategies under the supervision of the United Nations. Given the magnitude of its mission, numerous expectations are laid on this international institution. However, the UN has proven to adopt a ‘learning-on-the-go’ stance when it comes to conflict resolution and peacekeeping.
This paper gives a detailed analysis of what are deemed the ‘best’ and the ‘worst’ cases in the history of conflict resolution and peace building mission, namely United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone and United Nations Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR). It equally analyses the determinant factors that led to both outcomes. This analysis concludes by questioning the ability of United Nations and its agencies to maintain global peace.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- From UNOMSIL to UNAMSIL: A Triumphant Success of Conflict Resolution
- From UNOMUR to UNAMIR: A Shame to Be Silenced
- Analysis and Comparison
- Factors That Contributed to the Success of UNAMSIL and the Failure of UNAMIR
- Summary and Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the successes and failures of United Nations peacekeeping missions, specifically comparing the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). The aim is to identify factors contributing to these contrasting outcomes and ultimately question the UN's ability to maintain global peace.
- Comparative analysis of UNAMSIL and UNAMIR
- Determinant factors leading to success and failure in peacekeeping missions
- Evolution of the understanding of peace and conflict resolution
- Challenges in resolving protracted conflicts and achieving sustainable peace
- The UN's role and effectiveness in maintaining global peace
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This abstract introduces the paper's focus on analyzing the contrasting outcomes of UNAMSIL and UNAMIR, highlighting the UN's evolving approach to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. It emphasizes the paper's aim to determine the key factors that led to the success of one mission and the failure of the other, ultimately questioning the UN's capacity for maintaining global peace. The mention of "learning-on-the-go" indicates a recognition of the UN's adaptive approach to peace operations and the complexities involved. The reference to "best" and "worst" cases sets the stage for a comparative analysis.
Introduction: The introduction establishes the evolving understanding of "peace" and "conflict resolution," moving from a simplistic view of peace as the absence of violence to a more nuanced perspective that incorporates active self-determination and continuous peace-making efforts. The chapter contrasts the post-Westphalian approach (with clear winners and losers) with the modern emphasis on negotiation and reconciliation. It acknowledges significant improvements in peacekeeping since the Cold War but highlights the persisting challenges in effectively resolving protracted conflicts and establishing lasting peace, highlighting the higher failure rate of peace processes. The chapter introduces the concept of “New Wars” and “intractable conflicts” indicating a shift towards understanding the complexities and dynamics of modern conflicts characterized by civilian targeting and prolonged violence.
From UNOMSIL to UNAMSIL: A Triumphant Success of Conflict Resolution: This chapter will detail the transition from UNOMSIL to UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone, highlighting the factors that led to its success in conflict resolution. It would analyze the strategies employed, the involvement of various stakeholders, and the impact of these actions on achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The success of UNAMSIL would be compared and contrasted with the failure of other missions.
From UNOMUR to UNAMIR: A Shame to Be Silenced: This section will likely delve into the history of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), detailing the mission’s failures in preventing and responding to the Rwandan genocide. The analysis would likely explore various aspects, including the limitations of the mandate, the lack of resources and preparedness, and the political considerations that hindered effective action. The chapter will likely contrast the response in Rwanda with successful peacekeeping operations elsewhere to highlight crucial differences and lessons learned.
Analysis and Comparison: This chapter will offer a direct comparison between UNAMSIL and UNAMIR, focusing on the factors that contributed to their respective successes and failures. This might involve comparing the mandates, resources, strategies, and political contexts of the two missions, drawing parallels and highlighting key differences. The analysis would likely aim to identify best practices and lessons learned.
Factors That Contributed to the Success of UNAMSIL and the Failure of UNAMIR: This chapter would systematically analyze the factors that contributed to the contrasting outcomes of UNAMSIL and UNAMIR. It would likely explore issues such as political will, resource allocation, mandate clarity, the nature of the conflicts, and the involvement of regional and international actors. This detailed analysis would aim to identify specific elements that contributed to the success of one mission and the failure of the other.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
United Nations, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, reconciliation, mission, United Nations Security Council, conflict, peace, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, success, failure, UNAMSIL, UNAMIR, Fourth generation peacekeeping, New Wars, intractable conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of UNAMSIL and UNAMIR Peacekeeping Missions
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper analyzing the successes and failures of two United Nations peacekeeping missions: the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). It compares and contrasts these missions to identify factors contributing to their vastly different outcomes and to ultimately question the UN's effectiveness in maintaining global peace.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers a range of topics, including a comparative analysis of UNAMSIL and UNAMIR, the key factors influencing success and failure in peacekeeping, the evolution of understanding peace and conflict resolution, challenges in resolving protracted conflicts, and the UN's role and effectiveness in maintaining global peace. It also includes chapter summaries, detailing the content and arguments presented in each section of the paper.
What are the key objectives of the analyzed peacekeeping missions?
The main objective is to understand the factors that contributed to the success of UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone and the failure of UNAMIR in Rwanda. This involves examining various aspects, such as mandates, resources, strategies, political contexts, and the involvement of different stakeholders.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
Key themes include comparative analysis of the two missions, identifying determinant factors for success and failure, the evolution of understanding peace and conflict resolution, challenges in resolving protracted conflicts, and the UN's role and effectiveness in global peace. The document also touches upon the concepts of "New Wars" and "intractable conflicts."
What is the significance of comparing UNAMSIL and UNAMIR?
The comparison of UNAMSIL and UNAMIR serves as a case study to highlight the contrasting outcomes of UN peacekeeping operations. By analyzing the factors that led to the success of one mission and the failure of the other, the study aims to draw lessons and identify best practices for future peacekeeping efforts. It represents a "best" and "worst" case scenario for analysis.
What are the key factors contributing to the success of UNAMSIL and the failure of UNAMIR?
The document suggests that a range of factors contributed to the contrasting outcomes. These likely include political will, resource allocation, mandate clarity, the nature of the conflicts themselves, and the involvement of regional and international actors. A detailed analysis of these factors is promised within the full paper.
What is the overall conclusion or argument of the paper (as previewed in this document)?
The overall argument questions the UN's capacity for maintaining global peace, based on the contrasting experiences of UNAMSIL and UNAMIR. It highlights the complexities of modern conflict and the need for a nuanced approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution that goes beyond a simplistic view of peace as merely the absence of violence.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: United Nations, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, reconciliation, mission, United Nations Security Council, conflict, peace, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, success, failure, UNAMSIL, UNAMIR, Fourth generation peacekeeping, New Wars, intractable conflicts.
Where can I find the complete paper?
This document is a preview; the location of the complete paper is not provided in this excerpt.
- Quote paper
- Manuella Mekondo (Author), 2022, Theories of Conflict Generation, Conflict Resolution and Post-conflict Peacebuilding. Sierra Leone vs. Rwanda, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1302752