Date of Award

Summer 8-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Program/Concentration

Graduate Program in International Studies

Committee Director

Peter Schulman

Committee Member

Angelica Huizar

Committee Member

Najmeh Moradiyan-Rizi

Abstract

The research addresses the effectiveness of the United Nations concerning conflict resolution and peacekeeping, seen from the perspective of film culture. Applying the "PENCIL Theory" (Peace Engagement through an in-depth lens), the UN study along with its structural dynamics would be considered herein: a pencil comprising the Security Council as its lead, world as the eraser, and filmmakers as the ferrule that is representative of that significant link between public awareness and policy impact, and the UN General Assembly and Secretariat as its body in support of the decision-making processes. It brings to the fore the critical impacts on the view of the UN through cinematic representations: case studies of failures within Rwanda, Bosnia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, analyses of films such as Hotel Rwanda and Ghosts of Rwanda, reveal systemic issues and incite calls for reform. Drawing on Constructivist theory, the paper assesses how films, as a cultural artifact, influence international norms, public opinion, and institutional accountability, and conversely, how this shapes UN work on promoting peace and justice worldwide. It contributes to knowledge on how film can facilitate critical discourse on matters pertinent to the United Nations' agenda, subsequently demanding better international governance. By critiquing the UN’s structural weaknesses and advocating for reform, the PENCIL theory aligns with social justice ideals, calling for accountability, inclusivity, and moral courage in international governance. It urges a shift from bureaucratic inertia to decisive, people-centered action that prioritizes human dignity and equitable solutions.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25777/npkh-wr93

ISBN

9798293842476

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