Maintaining the Peace: The Work of the United Nations

This course examines the work of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security in general, and conflict prevention, peace-making, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding in particular, primarily from the perspective of the role of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat. It builds on students¿ knowledge of the organization¿s place in the system of international relations and global governance. It will provide a deeper understanding of how the UN functions in the area of peace and security at the operational level, and will include illustrative case studies, and a simulation exercise. It focuses on UN institutional entities and components beyond the intergovernmental bodies (Security Council, General Assembly); the mechanisms and tools they rely upon for preventive diplomacy and peace-making, peacekeeping and peacebuilding; the unique advantages and limitations of the organization; the interlinkages between the peace and security, development and human rights pillars of the organization as well as the evolution of its practices and continuing and emerging trends.