Investigating U.S. Peacekeeping in the Gulf War and Somalia

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video uses a narrative framing device featuring a fictional journalist named David Miller to explore United States foreign policy and peacekeeping missions in the 1990s. Set against the backdrop of the post-Cold War era, the video investigates two major interventions: the Gulf War in Kuwait and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. It provides historical context regarding decolonization, arbitrary borders, and resource dependence to explain the roots of instability in these regions before diving into the specific timelines and outcomes of U.S. involvement. The video explores key themes such as the legacy of colonialism, the concept of power vacuums, the economic motivations behind conflicts (like oil), and the complexities of humanitarian aid. It contrasts the swift military victory of Desert Storm with the protracted and complicated humanitarian mission in Somalia, culminating in the Battle of Mogadishu. Through interviews with fictionalized primary sources—a U.S. Army Sergeant and a UN aid volunteer—the content highlights both the intended positive outcomes (liberation, famine relief) and negative consequences (infrastructure damage, civilian casualties, anti-American sentiment). For educators, this video serves as an excellent case study tool for teaching modern U.S. history and international relations. It simplifies complex geopolitical situations into understandable narratives without shying away from the nuanced results of foreign intervention. The video actively prompts students to predict outcomes and evaluate the success of these missions, making it a strong springboard for classroom debates about the role of the U.S. as a global superpower and the ethics of international intervention.