Hvorfor engasjerer vi oss? : en utenrikspolitisk case-analyse av Norges fredsengasjement i Sudan

Abstract

The need for a greater understanding of the motivations behind third party mediation efforts forms the backdrop of this thesis. Awareness about such drives could possibly pave the way for a deeper understanding of other aspects of mediation efforts, such as the success or failure of intervention. Since the end of the Cold War, peace and reconciliation has been seen as one of the pillars in Norwegian foreign policy. As a result, Norway has invested considerable resources in efforts to promote peaceful resolutions in distant intrastate conflicts. The peace mediation in Sudan represents such an effort. Norway played a key role in the negotiations between the government of Khartoum and the Sudanese People Liberation Movement (SPLM). This thesis explores the motivations and rationale behind Norway’s involvement in the Sudan peace process between 2002 and 2011. By undertaking a multi-level analysis within the framework of foreign policy several aspects related to peace efforts are explored. This thesis argues that Norway’s aspiration for the Sudan peace engagement steams both from national identity and value-based efforts to support peace and reconciliation, and from a more strategic interest in promoting Norway’s interests in international relations. The US’ renewed interest in the conflict in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks created a window of opportunity for Norway to engage, and the peace engagement in Sudan was to a large extent due to ambitious individuals within the bureaucracy.