| The United Nations (UN) Peacebuilding Architecture (the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund) has experienced numerous challenges since its establishment in 2005. Analyses of these challenges have focused primarily on procedural and programmatic aspects. Although important, there has been almost no analysis based upon the institutional context of the Architecture within the UN system. One of the most significant systemic problems confronting the UN is the continued presence of a North-South divide. This thesis therefore analyzes the effects of North-South dynamics on the Architecture and the outcomes in one of its country cases, Sierra Leone. The thesis identifies five significant dimensions to North-South divergence -- development, economic practices, aid, sovereignty and the UN system -- and applies this framework to the Architecture. Findings suggest North-South divergence is impeding the operations of the Architecture, with strongest effects around development, economic practices and aid. These understandings have important implications for future work of the Architecture and the effectiveness of international organizations with North-South membership. |
