Abstract

In a state-based international order, the state is understood as the best actor to protect its population. With this in mind, UN peace operations often have mandates to extend state authority. However, by their very nature, peace operations deploy to states whose authority and legitimacy are contested. Without a clear definition of what that authority entails, peace operations and host states must constantly negotiate the content and approaches taken in extending state authority, sometimes resulting in tensions between state and mission. This article examines the process of extending state authority in two cases: the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). It finds that there are evolving and contesting understandings of state authority across and within peace operations, which can limit mission impact and stress key relationships between peace operations and their host state. The article concludes that there is a need for renewed conversations in the UN as to how state authority is understood and supported by UN peace operations.

Highlights

  • In a state-based international order, the state is considered the primary and best actor to protect its population

  • The mission actively supported the Central African Republic (CAR) Transitional Council’s efforts to build legitimacy with CAR’s population. This initially placed the bulk of protection on the peace operation but allowed for the most inclusive political process in CAR to date, the election of a new government that is focused on legitimacy through responsiveness to local needs, and the creation of the necessary political frameworks needed to re-deploy a reformed Forces armées centrafricaines (FACA) focused on serving the CAR population

  • It is likely that peace operations will continue to receive extension of state authority mandates

Read more

Summary

Shannon Zimmerman

In a state-based international order, the state is understood as the best actor to protect its population With this in mind, UN peace operations often have mandates to extend state authority. This article examines the process of extending state authority in two cases: the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). It finds that there are evolving and contesting understandings of state authority across and within peace operations, which can limit mission impact and stress key relationships between peace operations and their host state. The article concludes that there is a need for renewed conversations in the UN as to how state authority is understood and supported by UN peace operations

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call