Peter Chol Alim Jook, Dr. Jacob Dut Chol Riak

Abstract

This study examines the role of United Nations diplomatic interventions—mediation, negotiation, peacekeeping and sanctions— in addressing armed conflict in South Sudan. Guided by realism and liberal institutionalism theories. Liberal institutionalism places greater emphasis on the ability of institutions to encourage cooperation. Realism takes a more cautious position. Morgenthau (1948) argues that international politics is strongly influenced by power and national interests. It considers how power relations among states shape UN interventions and their contribution to conflict resolution. The study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 384 stakeholders in Upper Nile, Jonglei and Central Equatoria states through questionnaires, interviews, document analysis and field observation. Findings show that UN peacekeeping was generally viewed as moderately to highly effective, particularly in protecting displaced populations and providing humanitarian assistance. However, respondents were less satisfied with the UN’s ability to achieve lasting political settlements. Principal component analysis identified four broad areas of conflict resolution—political, economic, armed and ethnic—accounting for 57.57% of the variance. Garrett ranking results also revealed a continuing gap between the UN’s humanitarian achievements and its political and security outcomes. Respondents called for stronger mediation, greater accountability, including progress towards the proposed hybrid court, and greater local involvement in peace processes. The study concludes that UN diplomacy remains important in South Sudan but is constrained by political and institutional limitations. It recommends a more locally grounded and conflict-sensitive approach to diplomacy and peacebuilding.

Keywords: United Nations, Peacekeeping, Armed Conflict Resolution, South Sudan

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