Abstract:
Modern peacekeepers face a host of challenges in the areas in which they are deployed,
including often dealing with a non-cooperative host-population. However, if the peacekeepers
and the host-population shared an identity characteristic (race, religion, language) would this
translate to enhanced cooperation and more successful peacekeeping; this thesis aims to
uncover this phenomenon and whether a link exists between identity and peacekeeping,
including whether the UN should deploy troops based on this common identity criteria. Since
the research was qualitative in nature, data was primarily collected through interviews and
focus group discussions with veteran and undertraining peacekeepers. Social identity theory
was used to conceptualize the identity dilemmas that peacekeepers would face in the field.
After an extensive thematic analysis of the interviews, the thesis yielded the following
results: a) A positive link exists between a shared identity (amongst peacekeepers and
civilians) and success in peacekeeping missions b) Impartiality and timely provision of
humanitarian assistance builds good reputation of a contingent and can enhance ‘local
acceptance’ for the mission c) While peacekeepers should not be deployed based on identity,
language training before deployment can vastly increase communication and cooperation
with the local people as well as endorse impartiality. Hence, while the UN does not need to
amend its deployment policies, language and cultural awareness training are crucial to
improving success in peacekeeping missions.
