Abstract
This paper examines Ghana’s contribution to peace and security in Africa through the United Nations Peacekee** operations (PKOs). The paper employed the qualitative research approach (interviews and content analysis) in achieving the intended objectives. It relied on three theories: neo-institutionalism, collective security and rational choice theory as major theoretical frameworks for the analysis. The paper argues, besides, the economic benefits to the individual and the state, state image and reputation, both military and democratic regimes have committed resources to such missions in an attempt to legitimize their regimes and also for the survival of the regime in power. Suffice to say neo-institutionalism and collective security are employed as means to achieve a rational choice objective. The findings, however, suggest that even though coup aversion might not be the direct motivation for Ghana’s enormous contribution to PKOs, especially within the subregion, issues of state security and peace, legitimacy and regime survival are of prime concern. It is recommended that the UN should endeavor to restructure PKOs to ensure global political stability as well as to discourage illegitimate regimes from exploiting the missions.
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Data availability
The authors used data from the UN supported by information from other sources, which were all dully referenced. Sources and links to the datasets are stated below: United Nations Peacekee** (2022). Troop and police contributors—Available at https://peacekee**.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors (Accessed 15 March 2022). Nunoo, Isaac (2023), “Ghana’s contribution to UN peacekee** missions”, Mendeley Data, V1, https://doi.org/10.17632/6j994zcshj.1. Available at https://peacekee**.un.org/en/troop-and-police-contributors. Nunoo, Isaac (2023), “Ghana’s contribution to UN peacekee** missions—interviews”, Mendeley Data, V1, https://doi.org/10.17632/v4b7m3sgvm.1. Available at https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/v4b7m3sgvm/1
Notes
1 For this study, PKMs and PKOs are used interchangeably.
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Each author revised and edited the work. IN: conceived the idea (title), wrote the abstract, introduction, and conclusion. MO-A: wrote the theory, contributed to data gathering, and shared the analysis sections (all other subheadings) with IN. Both authors read and approved the final draft for publication.
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Nunoo, I., Oduro-Appiah, M. United Nations and peacekee**: revisiting Ghana’s contribution to peace and security in Africa. SN Soc Sci 4, 6 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-023-00802-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-023-00802-8