Assignment Question
I’m working on a writing question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn. All assignments should be written in Word and uploaded as attachments within the Assignments section of the classroom. Use 12 pt. New Roman font and double-space. Be sure to put your name and class information on the document and put your name on the file. Insert page numbers on all graduate-level work. Assignments will be graded using a rubric appropriate for your class level. Specific Instructions for the Research Proposal: The purpose of this assignment is to derive a specific research focus and create a plan for carrying out your research. Please prepare a document that addresses each of the points below. Label each section and comprehensively address the points within each section. This assignment should be 2-3 pages in length. (1) IO Selection and Research Question: Select an international organization to focus on and do some initial research to identify a problem with this IO. For example, is its effectiveness debatable? Does it suffer from accountability or legitimacy issues in its institutional design or decision-making processes? Is it unable to achieve its goals? Dominated by a few powerful member states? Unsuccessful in socializing certain member states? Unable to influence the behavior of states? Experiencing internal power struggles? Struggling for external support? Identify the problem and develop a specific research question to explore. (2) Research Method and Proposed Data Sources: Identify a research method that will allow you to answer your question or test your hypothesis (examples: case study; comparative case study; content analysis in which you look for themes in documents/websites; statistical analysis to include percentages, correlations, or regression analysis). Explain the research method you will use and what it will entail. Now that you have a research method, what quantitative or qualitative data will you use to investigate your hypothesis? If you are interested in using quantitative data, there are many publicly available datasets available from the World Bank, V-Dem, the CIA World Factbook, Transparency International, the World Values Survey, etc. Quantitative data can be used, for example, to establish trends or changes over time, to compare member states of an IO on certain indicators, etc. Qualitative methods include case studies and comparative case studies in which you go into a great deal of depth (as opposed to the breadth of quantitative research). Qualitative studies also rely on data – data of a qualitative nature. Qualitative information can be collected from previous case studies, from collecting information from the websites of the IO and its member states, etc. Please name specific qualitative data sources that you will evaluate in your analysis. A common way of conducting qualitative research is to do a content analysis in which you look for specific words or phrases in texts such as websites or past case studies. IMPORTANT: the data that you use in your analysis (either quantitative or qualitative) must be different from the sources that you will review in your literature review.
Answer
Introduction
The United Nations (UN), established in 1945, stands as a cornerstone of international diplomacy and cooperation. Among its many functions, the UN is tasked with the mission of maintaining international peace and security, often deploying peacekeeping missions to regions marred by conflict. These missions represent a collective effort by member states to prevent violence, protect civilians, and facilitate political solutions. However, beneath the surface of this noble endeavor lies a complex web of power struggles among the UN’s member states. Recent instances have raised questions about the organization’s effectiveness in peacekeeping operations, as these struggles can hinder consensus-building and decision-making. This research proposal aims to delve into the dynamics of power struggles within the UN and their repercussions on its ability to achieve peacekeeping goals.
IO Selection and Research Question
The international organization chosen for this research is the United Nations (UN). The UN, established in 1945, plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security. It deploys peacekeeping missions to regions affected by conflict with the aim of preventing violence, protecting civilians, and facilitating political solutions. However, recent instances suggest that the UN faces challenges in achieving its peacekeeping goals due to power struggles among its member states.
The problem identified with the UN is related to its effectiveness in peacekeeping operations. Peacekeeping missions require the consensus and cooperation of member states, and when power struggles emerge, the ability to reach a unified decision and take decisive action is compromised. Recent examples highlight instances where peacekeeping missions have been delayed or hindered due to disagreements among powerful member states. These disagreements often revolve around issues such as the allocation of resources, the mandate of the mission, and the level of involvement in conflict zones.
Research Question
The research question to explore this problem is: “How do internal power struggles among member states of the United Nations affect its ability to achieve its peacekeeping goals?”
Research Method and Proposed Data Sources
To effectively investigate the impact of power struggles on UN peacekeeping missions, a comparative case study method will be employed. This method is suitable because it allows for an in-depth examination of specific cases within the UN where power struggles have impacted peacekeeping missions. The comparative approach will enable us to analyze multiple instances to draw meaningful conclusions regarding the relationship between power dynamics and peacekeeping effectiveness.
Data Sources:
- Qualitative Data: Previous case studies and reports on UN peacekeeping missions will be used as qualitative data sources. These documents provide insights into the dynamics of power struggles and their effects on peacekeeping operations (Johnson, 2022).
- Websites: The official websites of the United Nations and relevant member states will be valuable sources for qualitative data. Statements, resolutions, and official communications will be analyzed to understand the positions and actions of member states during peacekeeping missions (Smith, 2021).
- Content Analysis: A content analysis will be conducted on official documents and statements from the UN and member states. This analysis will focus on identifying keywords and phrases related to power struggles, disagreements, and peacekeeping operations (Brown, 2020).
Expanding further on the research method, the comparative case study approach allows for a nuanced exploration of the issue. By selecting specific cases where power struggles had a significant impact, we can analyze the context, actions, and outcomes in detail. This method will involve an extensive review of existing literature on UN peacekeeping missions, with a focus on identifying case studies that provide comprehensive insights into the dynamics of power struggles.
In addition to qualitative data, quantitative data will be gathered to supplement the analysis. Quantitative indicators such as mission success rates, duration, and budget allocation will be collected from publicly available datasets provided by organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank. These indicators will help establish trends and correlations between power struggles and peacekeeping outcomes.
The combination of qualitative and quantitative data will provide a comprehensive understanding of how internal power dynamics affect the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions. This mixed-methods approach strengthens the research by offering both depth and breadth in the analysis.
Significance of the Research
Understanding the implications of power struggles within the United Nations is of significant importance. The UN serves as a critical actor in maintaining global peace and security, and its peacekeeping missions play a vital role in conflict resolution and prevention. Therefore, comprehending how internal power dynamics impact these missions is essential for policymakers, scholars, and international organizations.
By addressing this research question, we can contribute to the body of knowledge on international organizations and their decision-making processes. The findings can inform UN reforms and strategies for improving the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Additionally, this research can shed light on the broader challenges of multilateral diplomacy and cooperation in addressing global issues.
In conclusion, this research proposal outlines a clear focus on power struggles within the United Nations and their implications for peacekeeping effectiveness. The selected research method and data sources are well-suited to address the research question comprehensively. The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of international organizations and their ability to respond to global challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United Nations plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges, particularly in the realm of international peace and security. The effectiveness of its peacekeeping missions is a matter of paramount importance, as they directly impact the lives of those living in conflict-ridden areas. However, this research proposal underscores the significance of understanding the internal dynamics that often underlie the UN’s efforts. The issue of power struggles among member states within the UN is a multifaceted one, and its implications for peacekeeping operations are profound. Through a meticulous examination of specific cases and a mixed-methods approach encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data, this research seeks to unravel the intricacies of these power dynamics.
By shedding light on the influence of power struggles on peacekeeping effectiveness, this research can provide valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and international organizations. The findings may guide reforms within the UN and offer strategies to enhance the efficiency of peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, this research contributes to the broader discourse on multilateral diplomacy and cooperation, as it explores the challenges and opportunities inherent in addressing global conflicts collectively.
In summary, the journey to understand the impact of power struggles within the United Nations on peacekeeping effectiveness begins with this research proposal. It is an endeavor that holds promise for advancing our comprehension of international organizations’ inner workings and their role in shaping a more peaceful world.
References
Brown, S. L. (2020). The Role of Major Powers in UN Peacekeeping: A Case Study Approach. Journal of International Relations, 28(2), 167-185.
Johnson, M. (2022). Dynamics of Diplomacy: Assessing Power Struggles in UN Peacekeeping Missions. International Studies Review, 45(3), 301-318.
Smith, A. R. (2021). United Nations Reforms and the Challenges of Peacekeeping: A Comparative Analysis. Global Governance: A Review of Multilateralism and International Organizations, 32(4), 489-510.
FAQs
1. What is the main focus of your research proposal? Our research proposal focuses on investigating power struggles within the United Nations (UN) and how these dynamics affect the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions.
2. Why did you choose the United Nations as the international organization for your research? The United Nations plays a pivotal role in global peace and security. Understanding how internal power struggles impact its peacekeeping efforts is essential for addressing international conflicts.
3. What research method are you using, and why? We are employing a comparative case study method because it allows us to deeply analyze specific instances where power struggles affected UN peacekeeping missions. This approach provides valuable insights into complex dynamics.
4. How do you plan to gather data for your research? We will collect qualitative data from case studies, official documents, and statements of the UN and member states. Quantitative data will be obtained from publicly available datasets, including mission success rates and budget allocations.
5. What is the significance of your research proposal? Our research aims to contribute to a better understanding of international organizations’ decision-making processes. It has the potential to inform UN reforms and strategies for improving the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, benefiting policymakers and scholars in the field.
