The Impact of Identity on the Success of Peacekeeping Missions: The Pakistani Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37540/njips.v7i2.174Keywords:
Identity, Psychosocial, Peacekeeping, United NationsAbstract
UN peacekeepers face numerous challenges in the regions where they are deployed, often encountering a non-cooperative host population. This study investigates whether sharing an identity characteristic—specifically race, religion, language, gender, or geo-economic background—with the host population could enhance the interactions between peacekeepers and the local populace, thereby increasing the likelihood of mission success. The research seeks to determine whether the UN should consider deploying peacekeeping troops based on these common identity criteria. The data was gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with veteran and trainee peacekeepers. Through extensive thematic analysis, the study produced the following key findings: (i) There is a positive correlation between shared identity characteristics (between peacekeepers and civilians) and the success of peacekeeping missions; (ii) impartiality and the timely provision of humanitarian assistance significantly contribute to building a positive reputation for UN contingents, which can enhance the ‘local acceptance’ of peacekeeping missions; (c) language training prior to deployment can substantially improve interactions between peacekeepers and the local population.
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