Political Science 687V/4 A: International Peacekeeping
Winter 2003

First Paper Assignment
Due Friday, February 28. This paper is worth 20% of the course grade.

In a paper of 8-10 pages (double-spaced, twelve point font), discuss one of the following questions:

1. How do realist, liberal, and constructivist perspectives explain the shift from traditional to second generation peacekeeping? Explain what each perspective would see as the key factors determining when peace operations missions are deployed, the tasks assigned such missions, and the success or failure of missions. Evaluate the consistency of the perspectives with the record of peace operations since the end of the Cold War. How well does each theory explain post-Cold War peacekeeping? What would each predict regarding the future of multilateral peace operations?

2. Are peacekeeping and peace enforcement fundamentally distinct and incompatible activities the mixing of which violates the conditions for success in peace operations? Or are peacekeeping and peace enforcement inextricably intertwined, so that the capacity to shift between them, or combine them in complementary manner, is necessary for operational success? What role do consent, impartiality, and the use of force play in either the definition or the operational effectiveness of  peacekeeping and peace enforcement? Discuss with reference to conceptual, doctrinal, and  operational debates regarding post-Cold War peace operations, and to the record of post-Cold War missions.

This paper does not require extensive library research (though you may use material other than course readings). It is a "thought paper," requiring you to develop your own theoretical or conceptual analysis of post-Cold War peacekeeping and intervention. You should, however, draw on class readings and discussion in your paper. You should clearly explain contending views about post-Cold War peacekeeping and intervention, and assess the validity of these views. Your discussion should refer to concepts and perspectives discussed in course readings, and should also be supported or illustrated with information gained from sources assigned in the class.

Miscellaneous requirements
Spelling and grammar matter, as does the clarity and organization of your writing

Include a title page and a reference list (which do not count toward the page length guideline). Number all pages. See below regarding citation formats. Footnote or endnote citation formats are acceptable, but footnotes are preferred.

Sources and citations

First: Do not plagiarize. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Provide citations for any ideas that you use that are not your own and to sources of information that is not considered common knowledge. Quotations must be indicated by quotation marks (or clearly by block quote formatting for longer quotes) and cited properly. Paraphrases must be substantially different in both words and structure from the original language.

On avoiding plagiarism, see:

   http://cdev.concordia.ca/CnD/studentlearn/Help/handouts/WritingHO/AvoidingPlagiarism.html

Use a standard citation system such as the MLA, Chicago, or Turabian systems. For standard citation systems, see:

   http://library.concordia.ca/services/citations.html

When citing an online source, give the name of the individual or organizational author(s), the URL, and the date accessed. (Example: Thomas L. Friedman, Lexus and the Olive Tree web page, <http://www.lexusandtheolivetree.com>, Accessed October 22, 2000.)

Lateness Policy
I will grant extensions only for compelling individual reasons. If you need an extension, see me as far in advance of the due date as possible. I become increasingly reluctant to grant extensions as the due date approaches. In fairness to those who hand them in on time, unexcused late papers will be penalized 10 points for the first day and 5 points for each subsequent day late.


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