APG5199 · Peacekeeping in the international system: Theory, policy and practice

Overview

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.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. critique and apply the multiple criteria used to understand success and failure in peacekeeping;
2. recognise and apply the different theoretical and methodological approaches used to explain peacekeeping in international relations;
3. analyse and evaluate UN peacekeeping operations at the international, national and local levels;
4. communicate in writing, both as a member of a team and individually;
5. reflect critically on your ability to work professionally, ethically, and collaboratively with others.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.