Research Article
The Role of the United Nations in South Sudanese State Building and Failure
Jacob Dut Chol Riak*
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-19
Received:
29 December 2024
Accepted:
13 January 2025
Published:
7 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jpsir.20250801.11
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Abstract: The study robustly examines the role of the United Nations in South Sudanese state-building and failure. In South Sudanese state building, the United Nations family of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been viewed to have built South Sudanese state through support to peace building and mediations, support to the states programmes and national programmes such as Governors forums and reconstruction activities of South Sudanese state. However, UNDP and UNMISS have failed South Sudanese state through associated regime change agenda. UNDP capacity sucking out in-lieu of capacity building demonstrated the UN desire to fail South Sudanese state. UNMISS’s biased role during 2013 political conflicts is seen as state failure strategy. This was revealed in 2014 when the UN marked Container Truck carrying goods to Bentiu was impounded by the SPLA and later found to be carrying ammunition. UNMISS failure to protect civilians during 2013 and 2016 conflicts was viewed as an act of state failure of South Sudan. On methodology, the study used primary and secondary sources in understanding the role played by UN in South Sudanese state-building and failure. Primary data include the use of questionnaires and interviews in tapping the understanding of the role played by UNDP and UNMISS in state building and failure of South Sudan. Secondary sources include the use of empirical literature review in deeply understanding the UN’s hand in South Sudanese state-building and failure. The study used a sample size of 200 respondents with sample types of persuasive and cluster sampling combined. The study also combines process tracing and case study methods to contextualize and validate causal chains and empirical casual processes of the UN role in South Sudanese state-building and failure The results of the study indicate that the United Nations and particularly, the UNMISS negligently contributed to South Sudanese state failure than building through its strategy to stay neutral and above all, its failure to protect civilians in the 2013 and 2016 political conflicts. Finally, the study concludes on the need of South Sudanese Government to take its constitutional role in providing development services and protect its citizens in the eventuality of political violence and civil war in South Sudan. The study recommends future research on how the UN family (UNDP and UNMISS) and Government of South Sudan can improve their working relationships for sustainable state building and prosperity of South Sudanese citizens.
Abstract: The study robustly examines the role of the United Nations in South Sudanese state-building and failure. In South Sudanese state building, the United Nations family of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been viewed to have built South Sudanese state through support to peace buildi...
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Research Article
Challenges and Obstacles in the Implementation of National Pride Projects in Nepal
Sudip Adhikari*
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
20-30
Received:
9 January 2025
Accepted:
26 January 2025
Published:
17 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.jpsir.20250801.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study critically examines the challenges impeding the implementation of National Pride Projects (NPPs) in Nepal, analyzing them through political and administrative lenses. Despite their pivotal role in driving economic growth and advancing infrastructure development, these strategically significant projects are persistently hindered by systemic inefficiencies and governance issues. From a political perspective, frequent changes in government, an absence of political consensus, and the over-politicization of decision-making processes undermine project continuity, exacerbate policy instability, and disrupt long-term planning. These issues are compounded by administrative inefficiencies, including excessive bureaucratic red tape, a pronounced lack of technical expertise, resource mismanagement, and weak inter-agency coordination. Such deficiencies are further exacerbated by external challenges, including prolonged land acquisition disputes, delays in obtaining environmental clearances, and inadequate engagement with stakeholders, all of which contribute to significant delays and cost overruns. The interplay between political instability and administrative inefficiencies has not only jeopardized project timelines but also escalated costs and eroded public trust in the government’s capacity to deliver on large-scale initiatives. These challenges call attention to the fragmented nature of Nepal’s governance structure, emphasizing the urgent need for a holistic approach to reform. This paper argues for the necessity of comprehensive policy reforms aimed at depoliticizing decision-making processes, fostering political stability, and enhancing institutional capacity. Strengthened accountability mechanisms and more effective inter-agency coordination are imperative to streamline project implementation. Additionally, fostering stakeholder engagement, addressing procedural bottlenecks, and building technical expertise within implementing agencies are critical steps to ensure the timely and successful execution of NPPs. By addressing these multifaceted barriers, Nepal can harness the transformative potential of National Pride Projects to drive sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discourse on public-sector project implementation in developing economies, providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.
Abstract: This study critically examines the challenges impeding the implementation of National Pride Projects (NPPs) in Nepal, analyzing them through political and administrative lenses. Despite their pivotal role in driving economic growth and advancing infrastructure development, these strategically significant projects are persistently hindered by system...
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