Executive Summary
This article evaluates the history of UN involvement in the Western Sahara conflict, assessing its efficacy in post-Cold War conflict resolution. It discusses the proposed UN-sponsored referendum for Sahrawi self-determination, analyzing why it has been protracted. The author examines the roles of key regional and international actors, including US-Moroccan relations, in the ongoing dispute.
Why It Matters
This document offers a detailed case study of a protracted post-Cold War conflict and the challenges of UN peacekeeping, providing critical insights into the complexities of self-determination, regional power dynamics, and international intervention. Defense and geopolitical analysts can learn from the failures and successes of international efforts to resolve long-standing disputes.
Key Takeaways
- The Western Sahara conflict is the UN's longest-running dispute, highlighting persistent challenges in implementing self-determination referenda.
- External actors like the US and France have influenced the conflict by supporting Morocco, often prioritizing strategic alliances over UN resolutions.
- The UN's peacekeeping mission (MINURSO) faced significant obstacles, including voter eligibility disputes and lack of cooperation from parties, leading to a prolonged stalemate.
Strategic Relevance
The Western Sahara conflict serves as a critical case study for understanding the limitations of international peacekeeping, the impact of external state interests on regional conflicts, and the complexities of decolonization and self-determination in the post-Cold War era. It underscores how geopolitical rivalries and economic interests can undermine UN efforts and prolong instability.