This paper deals with the question why the international community turns a blind eye to the Western Sahara conflict. Moreover, why do the United Nations fail to implement measures to resolve the conflict between Morocco and the people of the Western Sahara?
The Western Sahara conflict can be added to the list of the most ambivalent conflicts in recent history. Morocco occupied the African country in 1976 and since then the population of the former Spanish colony is fighting for self-determination while living as refugees in the desert of Algeria. The United Nations acknowledged that the country belongs to the people of Western Sahara. Consequently, the Moroccan occupation is
illegal, especially regarding international law. However, no
change or progress has been made; all negotiation attempts have failed. Hence, the conflict could be seen as intractable.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical framework
2.1 Intractable conflicts
2.2 Characteristics of intractable conflicts
3. The conflict of the Western Sahara
3.1 Historical outline of the conflict
3.2 Western Sahara – an intractable conflict?
3.3 The role of the United Nations in the conflict
3.4 Critiques of the UN attempts of resolving the conflict
4. Conclusion
5. References
Objectives and Core Topics
This term paper explores the prolonged dispute in Western Sahara, aiming to analyze why it can be classified as an intractable conflict and why international efforts, particularly by the United Nations, have largely failed to resolve the situation. The research investigates the historical background, the failure of mediation mechanisms, and the influence of geopolitical interests on the peace process.
- The theoretical definition and characteristics of intractable conflicts.
- The historical context and the development of the conflict between Morocco and the Polisario.
- Evaluation of the United Nations’ intervention, including the MINURSO mission.
- Critical analysis of obstacles to peace, such as geopolitical interests and the lack of enforcement power.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Historical outline of the conflict
Western Sahara is a North African country with Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania as its neighbouring states and an Atlantic coastline. Until 1975, Western Sahara was colonized by Spain, which was urged by the United Nations from the 1960s on to decolonize the territory. In a resolution, passed by the General Assembly in 1966 (Res. 2229) and reaffirmed in 1972 (Res. 2983), the right for self-determination and independence was recorded (Zunes, Mundy 2010: 102). Nevertheless, the decolonization process took time and in 1973 the Frente Popular para la liberacion de Saguia el hamra y Rio de Oro (short: Polisario), a liberation movement, was founded to oppose the colonial power Spain (Grawein 2014: 24). The European country retreated, but arranged a treaty with Mauritania and Morocco. The region was divided between the two countries and both claimed the territory of the Western Sahara for themselves (Grawein 2014: 24; Höllmüller 2014: 14). On the one side, the kingdom of Morocco argued that their claim was valid as they already collected taxes from the people living in the territory, even before the Spanish colonization (Shelley 2004: 130). Mauretania on the other side insisted that the people of Western Sahara have strong ethnical ties to the people living on Mauritanian soil and therefore belong to the entity of Mauretania (ibid, 130).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the background of the Western Sahara conflict and identifies it as a long-standing, intractable dispute characterized by failed negotiations.
2. Theoretical framework: Establishes the academic foundation by defining conflict resolution and detailing the specific characteristics that render a conflict "intractable".
3. The conflict of the Western Sahara: Examines the historical evolution of the dispute, the role of international parties, and applies theoretical concepts of intractability to the case.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes findings, noting that despite clear international recognition of illegal occupation, geopolitical interests prevent a resolution.
5. References: Lists the academic sources used to support the analysis of the conflict and conflict management theories.
Keywords
Western Sahara, United Nations, Conflict Management, Intractable Conflict, Polisario, Morocco, Self-determination, MINURSO, International Law, Geopolitics, Decolonization, Peace Process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the conflict in Western Sahara, analyzing it through the lens of conflict management theory to understand why it remains unresolved.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the characteristics of intractable conflicts, the historical development of the Western Sahara dispute, the role of the UN, and the influence of international actors on the peace process.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to explain why the international community, and specifically the United Nations, has failed to implement effective measures to resolve the conflict between Morocco and the people of Western Sahara.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analysis, applying theoretical concepts of conflict intractability (such as those by Peter Coleman) to the specific case study of Western Sahara.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the definition of intractable conflicts, a historical overview of the Western Sahara region, an evaluation of UN mediation efforts (including the MINURSO mission), and a critique of the geopolitical obstacles preventing a solution.
What are the characterizing keywords?
The work is characterized by terms such as Western Sahara, Intractable Conflict, United Nations, Polisario, Morocco, and Self-determination.
How does the author evaluate the role of the MINURSO mission?
The author argues that the MINURSO mission has been largely ineffective, hampered by limited mandates, a lack of enforcement instruments, and regular postponements of the referendum.
Why does the author suggest that the conflict is unlikely to be solved soon?
The author highlights that major international powers and the UN Security Council appear to lack the political will to act, as their geopolitical and economic interests—such as trade agreements with Morocco—outweigh the desire for a fair resolution.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mareike Peters (Autor:in), 2016, The conflict of Western Sahara and the United Nations’ role in resolving it, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/317591
