The Peacekeepers

The Peacekeepers, a documentary film, provides a poignant and revealing portrayal of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping's efforts to mitigate the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The film offers a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by peacekeepers in a "failed state" where the stakes are high and the risk of disaster is ever-present. Shot with unprecedented access to the UN headquarters in New York and the UN mission in the DRC, the film delves into the high-stakes decision-making process, balancing the risk of loss of life with the need to secure financial support. As the crisis in the DRC reaches a boiling point, the UN peacekeeping mission is caught between a rock and a hard place. The film follows the determined efforts of the peacekeepers to prevent the catastrophe unfolding before them. Against the backdrop of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, the peacekeepers' desperation and determination are palpable. Their struggle to avert another Rwandan-style disaster, one that will have catastrophic consequences for the people of the DRC and the region, is the overarching narrative thread throughout the film. The narrative is told through a unique juxtaposition of two locations: the UN headquarters in New York and the events on the ground in the DRC. The contrast between the two settings could not be more stark. In New York, the peacekeepers are grappling with complex policy decisions, diplomatic maneuvering, and delicate financial negotiations with uncertain donor countries. Meanwhile, in the DRC, the peacekeepers are confronting the harsh realities of a war-torn country, where violence and danger lurk around every corner. The film is shot in real-time, allowing the viewer to bear witness to the unfolding crisis. The camera pans across the bustling "Crisis Room," where peacekeepers are huddled around computer screens, poring over intelligence reports, and making high-stakes decisions. It is here that the risk-benefit analysis of peacekeeping is vividly on display. Every decision, no matter how minute, carries a substantial cost in terms of risk to life, resources, and the reputation of the UN. The tension is palpable as the peacekeepers attempt to weigh the competing demands of their mission. On one hand, they need to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population, as well as their own troops. On the other hand, they must navigate the complex web of international politics, diplomatic pressure, and donor fatigue. As the northeast Congo begins to erupt, the peacekeepers find themselves increasingly stretched, their decisions made under immense pressure. Throughout the film, the memories of the Rwandan genocide hang like a dark specter over the proceedings. The devastating consequences of inaction are starkly evident, and the UN peacekeepers are acutely aware of their responsibility to learn from the lessons of the past. As the crisis in Iraq deepens and global terrorism becomes a growing concern, the peacekeepers' mission in the DRC is increasingly overshadowed by the global security imperatives. American hegemony and the UN's role in the context of global governance are also explored, underscoring the complex and often fraught relationship between the UN and its member states. As the stakes rise and the crisis in the DRC spirals out of control, the UN peacekeepers are faced with a daunting task: can they prevent the catastrophe unfolding before them? Will their efforts be enough to avert the impending disaster, or will they succumb to the irresistible forces of chaos and destruction? The Peacekeepers leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat, as the outcome hangs precariously in the balance.