THE IMPACT OF IDENTITY ON THE SUCCESS OF PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS: THE PAKISTANI PERSPECTIVE

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.