Legitimacy of Using Force as a Fundamental Ingredient for Military Motivation in Robust Peacekeeping Operations

Abstract

ABSTRACT The notion of legitimacy is essential to motivate soldiers to fight in wars. However, the value of this factor to motivate in operations that do not involve the state’s vital interests – such as peacekeeping – is little explored. Drawing upon theories of the legitimate use of force and combat motivation, I argue that the UN legitimacy of using force to advance peacekeeping mandates is fundamental for the motivation of the blue helmets to carry out risky tasks and fight, as necessary, in robust PKOs. The article begins by proposing an operational definition of legitimacy to use force to advance peacekeeping mandates, a necessary step for effective communication with interviewees in subsequent empirical investigations. Then, it explores the connection between legitimacy and soldiers’ motivation to fight. Lastly, a case study based on interviews with dozens of blue helmets investigates perceptions of the legitimacy to use force and its motivational role in robust PKOs. The results reveal that positive perceptions of the mission legitimacy to use force increase the blue helmets’ motivation to accomplish risky tasks. Consequently, the article points to increasing awareness about the conditions that render the use of force legitimate as a way to improve military performances in robust PKOs.