The Political Economy of Civil War and UN Peace Operations

This book explores the operational and political challenges facing UN peace operations in countries with complex political economies of conflict. It focuses on the UN's long-running peace operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Somalia. It examines the nature and impact of these political economies on the course of UN peace operations, and offers policy recommendations to improve the UN's ability to confront predatory and exploitative war economies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate and challenging operational and political landscapes faced by United Nations (UN) peace operations deployed in countries characterized by civil war and protracted violence, leading to the emergence of complex and distinctive political economies of conflict. The volume explores the nature and profound impact of these political economies, which are formed by the intricate interplay between local, national, and regional war economies and the political agendas of conflict actors. It provides a detailed examination of the UN's long-running peace operations in various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Somalia.

At the core of the book lies the examination of the complex interaction between UN missions and the power structures and local conflict dynamics that shape individual mission settings. It highlights the challenges posed by these dynamics for mediation, protection of civilians, and other critical tasks. The book also offers a critical assessment of the various ways in which the UN has grappled with the policy challenges posed by political economies of conflict-affected states, societies, and regions. It proposes a pragmatic set of policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the UN's ability to confront predatory and exploitative war economies.

However, it is important to note that the book recognizes that political and institutional obstacles to more effective UN action are likely to remain profound and will likely never be fully overcome, let alone eradicated. Despite some progress made since the 1990s in understanding the political economy of civil wars, the UN has struggled with how to effectively tackle informal networks of power and their consequences for efforts to end wars.

This book will be of immense interest to students, scholars, and policymakers engaged in the study of war and conflict. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape peace operations and provides a roadmap for addressing the challenges posed by political economies of conflict. By exploring the intersection of power, economics, and politics, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex challenges facing UN peace operations and offers practical solutions to improve their effectiveness in achieving sustainable peace and security.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032164526