This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in addressing the conflict in the DRC. Through a comprehensive analysis of MONUSCO's performance using established theoretical frameworks and success parameters for UN missions, the study highlights the mission's achievements and shortcomings. By focusing on a single mission, one can thoroughly study the circumstances surrounding the peacekeeping operation, thus allowing a complete understanding of the chosen parameters. Despite some strategic successes, MONUSCO faced significant challenges, including inadequate resources, external interference, and ineffective diplomatic efforts. The findings demonstrate that understanding these factors is essential when analysing mission effectiveness, as they directly impact the outcome and the interpretation of the results.

United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations (PKOs), despite varied success outcomes, have been instrumental in mitigating conflict and promoting stability. Initially designed to support ceasefires and facilitate post-conflict activities, their role has evolved significantly since the end of the Cold War. Nowadays, peacekeepers are deployed in active conflict zones, raising critical questions about the effectiveness of their interventions. Current literature extensively analyzes the general impact of peacekeeping on conflict duration, intensity, and civilian protection. However, the local and subnational impacts of peacekeeping remain contested. Most research has focused on mission-level effects, often overlooking the spatial dynamics of conflict and the localized impacts of peacekeeping efforts. This study addresses the gap in understanding the spatial effects of peacekeeping by providing an in-depth analysis of peacekeeping deployments and their impact on the spread of armed conflicts. Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) data at a sub-national level, this research examines how the proximity of peacekeeping forces to conflict zones influences the geographical spread of armed conflict. Employing Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) models with data from the UCDP Georeferenced Event Dataset (GED) 23.1 and the Geocoded Peacekeeping Operation (GEO-PKO) 2.2 dataset, the study explores interactions between peacekeeping deployments, local infrastructure, and conflict dynamics. The study tests two hypotheses: 1) Closer proximity to peacekeeping bases is associated with a greater likelihood of a reduction in conflict fatalities, and 2) The fatality-reduction effect of peacekeeping deployments varies across local geographical conditions. By leveraging PRIO Grid cells as the unit of analysis, this research contributes to the literature, highlighting the importance of local geographical features and infrastructure. The findings inform more effective, context-specific peacekeeping strategies and interventions.