Nauru

The tiny Pacific island once generated a per capita income out of proportion to its size. But the source of this wealth—phosphates—is nearing exhaustion, leaving the islanders facing an uncertain future (BBC 2006ao, par. 2). Nauru has never participated with any type of contribution in UN peacekeeping operations. Besides not having defence forces, the main reason is because peacekeeping is not a top priority in their foreign affairs agenda and the political domestic environment. Nauru has provided police officers to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands since July 2003 (RAMSI 2006d, par. 1).

Initial variables of the data collection process:

UN/UN peacekeeping policy reform
No record, but Nauru has been very active on committees dealing with pacific affairs.

Perception of peacekeeping
Peacekeeping has been seen as something positive, especially with regards to helping neighboring island states such as the Solomon Islands.

Domestic political environment
There have been ad hoc political parties since independence in Nauru, but politics is generally based on personal loyalties and occasionally on issue-based coalitions (Thomson 2006m, par. 3). After DeRoburt's reelection in 1987, Kennan Adeang formed the Democratic Party of Nauru, which aimed to curb the power of the presidency (Ibid.). As of 2003, the Nauru Party was headed by Bernard Dowiyogo, and the Center Party was headed by former president Kinza Clodumar (Ibid.). This shows that there is equilibrium on the Nauru politics, and perhaps the politicians believe that due to that they do not have troops, they cannot participate in UN peacekeeping operations. It is highly probable that some debate is taking place about allowing their citizens to seek employment as peacekeepers.

Domestic economic environment
The economy of Nauru has long been dependent on phosphates (Ibid., par. 4). Estimates are that the deposits will be exhausted within a few years (Ibid.). In anticipation of this event, substantial amounts of phosphate income are invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition (Ibid.). This could be a sign that the government will attempt to seek employment for its citizens as peacekeepers. Nauru has also tried other options, such as the temporary infusion of funds that was promised through an agreement with Australia to act as an off-shore location for the processing of asylum seekers (Ibid.). For the use of its land, Nauru has been promised up to A$30 million (Ibid.).

Military affairs
Nauru has no armed forces (Ibid., par. 5). Although there is no formal agreement, Australia ensures its defence (Ibid.). There is a police force of 60 officers under civilian control (Ibid.). Nauru has provided police officers to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands since July 2003 (RAMSI 2006d, par. 1).

Foreign policy
The involvement of the Republic of Nauru at the United Nations covers important issues such as global warming, rising sea-levels, nuclear testing, Pacific aid, development and measures designed to combat international terrorism (UN-Nauru 2006a, par. 2). Peacekeeping is not part of their foreign policy agenda. Small as the country is, Nauru continues to actively support human rights and self-determination to its Pacific neighbors (Ibid.). On it second year of membership to the United Nations, Nauru became the Chairman of the Pacific Island Forum Group in New York (Ibid.).

Nauru was granted full membership of the Commonwealth in May 1999 and was admitted as the 187th member of the United Nations on September 1999. It is also a member of several regional bodies including the Pacific Island Forum [PIF], South Pacific Community (SPC), the Asian Development Bank, ESCAP [Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific] and other specialized agencies. Nauru has a particular interest in international environmental issues, including global warming. Nauru is represented by a Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, a High Commissioner in Suva (Fiji), a Consul-General in Melbourne (Australia) and Honorary Consuls in New Delhi and London. (Ibid., par. 3)

Additional variables found after the preliminary analysis:

Climate changes
Nauru is very concerned about the rising seas, and it advocated for the formulation of international policy to address environmental issues.

Independent negotiations taken by DPKO to seek troops
No record.

Independent negotiations taken by contributor countries to engage non-contributor countries
No record.

Meetings organized by other international organizations to engage in dialogue about peacekeeping
Nauru has provided police officers to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands since July 2003 (RAMSI 2006d, par. 1).