UNAMID DECISION MAKING IN SUDAN-DARFUR: THE IMPACT OF CHINESE BUREAUCRATIC DYNAMICS (2005-2012)

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of China's foreign policy decision-making process, shedding light on the considerable influence exerted by non-traditional actors on policy outcomes. Focusing on the Sudan-Darfur issue, this article contends that the bureaucrats involved adopted a multifaceted approach, encompassing a range of intranational challenges that held the potential to advance their individual domains. Rather than fixating on a singular matter like peacekeeping, these bureaucrats operated in alignment with diverse interpretations of the "national interest," further compounded by organizational and personal objectives as highlighted by Graham Allison (Allison & Zelikow, 1999: 255). This research underscores the role of these bureaucratic players, whose actions are guided not by a consistent set of strategic goals, but by a complex interplay of national, organizational, and personal priorities. By unraveling the intricate layers of influence in China's foreign policy, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of decision-making processes that extend beyond the conventional boundaries of state-centric determinants.