Date of Award

Spring 6-13-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Degree Name

B.A. in International Studies

Organizational Unit

Josef Korbel School of International Studies, International Studies

First Advisor

Timothy D. Sisk

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

United Nations peacekeeping, Special Political Missions (SPM), Peace operations, Nepal, Colombia, Papua New Guinea, Host government relationships, Local stakeholders, Structured focused comparison

Abstract

This thesis examines a specific type of United Nations peacekeeping operation, referred to as Special Political Missions (SPMs) and their progress in transitions from war to peace. While traditional peacekeeping has made advances in separating conflict and human rights development, SPMs provide concentrated specialization in areas, including electoral support, government mediation, and disarmament. Through a structured focus comparison of three unique SPM case studies, this research explores what key dimensions are involved in successful Special Political Missions. By comparing the United Nations Mission in Nepal, United Nations Mission in Colombia, and United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville, this thesis intends to learn why certain SPM missions complete their mission mandates and why others struggle to see progress. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that SPM outcomes are likely more successful when a mission has a positive relationship with the local host government and calls the UN to prioritize local stakeholder partnerships within their peacekeeping operations.

Copyright Date

4-13-2026

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Audrey Duff

Provenance

Received from Author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

86 pgs

File Size

1.16 MB

Download



Share

COinS