3. Peacekeeping in Practice I The Politics of Peacekeeping

3. The Politics of Peacekeeping Learning Objectives: – Understand the politics of peacemaking and peacekeeping – Develop an analytical framework to examine the politics of peacekeeping

3.1. The Politics of Peacemaking Obstacles to direct negotiations: – parties may be unwilling to meet – parties may have entrenched public positions – Reluctance to make public concessions – unable/unwilling to comprehend or understand other parties viewpoint – personal antagonisms between leaders/representatives – high level of suspicion and hostility

3.1. The Politics of Peacemaking Third Party Mediation

3.2. The Politics of Peacekeeping General Political Considerations – Interests – Values – Public opinion

3.2. The Politics of Peacekeeping The Great Powers – Political support – Operational support – Interests – Desired outcomes

3.2. The Politics of Peacekeeping Prospective Contributors – Motives – Type of contribution – National restrictions – Domestic politics – Cost (monetary and human)

3.2. The Politics of Peacekeeping Neighboring/Regional States – Regional dynamics – Tensions and disputes – Interests – Support opposition or rebel movements – Attitudes to foreign presence

3.2. The Politics of Peacekeeping Institutional Politics – Institution shopping – Decision making rules/norms

3.2. The Politics of Peacekeeping Non-state Actors – Communal groups – NGOs – Media

Zaire, (First Congo War) Origins The character of the conflict Call for intervention A peacekeeping mission for eastern Zaire?