Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Clarence Williamson

Abstract

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a three-pillar document that was unanimously approved and adopted at the 2005 World Summit Meeting by members of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to serve as a guideline for addressing mass atrocity crimes. The research problem concerned the successful implementation of the third pillar, a key fixture of R2P, which allows the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to use forceful measures, as a last resort to address mass atrocity crimes. However, a climate of division within the UNSC has led to inaction. Using the R2P doctrine as a theoretical framework, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the third pillar, in crisis-related situations, such as Syria beginning in 2012. The research questions addressed the application of the third pillar in crisis-related situations involving mass atrocity crimes, specifically in Syria. This study used a qualitative case study framework to collect, examine, and analyze secondary data on R2P. This data was coded using a descriptive coding strategy, where similar words, phrases, and ideological beliefs were analyzed and developed into major themes for synthesis and analysis. The results found an inconsistent application of the third pillar, resulting in policy inaction, and even failure of public administration to achieve consensus within the UNSC. The implications for positive social change include recommendations for procedures on successfully implementing the third pillar if the UNSC fails to act. The potential public policy modification would allow victims of mass atrocities crimes the opportunity to achieve safety and security, in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Charter’s common purposes and principles.

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