Navigating Power, Protection and Connections: A Case of UN Inactions in Gaza

Abstract

This study explores the complex dynamics of power, protection, and connections in the context of the Gaza conflict, with a particular focus on the role of the United Nations (UN). Through a detailed analysis of primary and secondary sources, this research examines how the UN's efforts in Gaza are shaped by power imbalances within the Security Council, particularly the influence of powerful member states such as the United States. The study utilizes Stephen Lukes' three-dimensional view of power to unpack the visible, agenda-setting, and ideological factors that impact the UN's ability to protect civilians in Gaza. A key argument of this thesis is the need to broaden the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) framework to address the complexities of modern conflicts, where states often evade responsibility by framing situations as counter-terrorism or non-international armed conflicts. The research highlights the limitations of the current UN system, established in 1945, in addressing contemporary challenges and underscores the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advocating for civilian protection, raising awareness, and holding powerful actors accountable. By developing the Power, Protection, and Connection framework, this thesis provides a framework for understanding how informal connections and civil society can complement formal international mechanisms to enhance protection in conflict zones. The findings of this research contribute to ongoing debates on UN reform, the efficacy of R2P, and the role of non-state actors in global peacebuilding efforts.