Peace Support Operations Research Articles

Combat readiness, alcohol abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder among Uganda peoples’ defence forces soldiers

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study assessed combat readiness, alcohol abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers returning from Operation Lightning Thunder (OLT) in South Sudan and Central African Republic.MethodsOne hundred fifty participants recruited from UPDF soldiers who had recently withdrawn from OLT, and were based in Singo Peace Support Operation School were screened for combat readiness, alcohol abuse and PTSD. The Perceived Combat Readiness Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, and PTSD checklist military version were used to measure the variables. Inferential analyses were performed to determine the association between combat readiness, alcohol abuse, and PTSD, while controlling for sociodemographic factors.ResultsWe found that 16% of UPDF soldiers met positive screening results for PTSD, and 21% met the positive screening results for moderate substance use disorder. UPDF soldiers who benefited from combat readiness were less likely to develop PTSD or alcohol abuse. Our results showed a mediating effect of alcohol abuse on combat readiness and PTSD among soldiers with UPDF.ConclusionOur results highlight the high rates of PTSD and alcohol abuse among UPDF soldiers returning from military deployment. These findings provide insight into the role of combat readiness in reducing the risk of alcohol abuse and vulnerability to PTSD in the aftermath of military deployment.

Navigating the Transition Tightrope: Challenges Posed by African Union Mission in Somalia Transition on Kenya’s National Security

This study examined Kenya's national security threats resulting from the withdrawal of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This was in light of previous Peace Support Operation Transitions (PSO) in Iraq and Afghanistan, where regional instability resulted from troop withdrawals. Therefore, it analysed the impact of PSO experiences on national security, aiming to identify potential threats to the national security of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCC) resulting from PSO involvement. The study was a descriptive survey design, and it adopted a mixed-methods approach. The sample size for the study was 400 respondents and 49 key informants. The survey was informed by functionalist theory and strategic theory. Kenyan border counties are predisposed to the security effects of the KDF transition from AMISOM. The study's findings indicated a complex security landscape; that is, weak Somali security forces, insufficient funding for the transition, a short time frame, and the likelihood of a resurgent Al-Shabaab all present significant threats to Kenya's national security. These issues are exacerbated by increased border security problems, such as smuggling and unresolved territorial conflicts. However, the studies indicated that Kenya could mitigate these risks. Influencing the Security Transition Plan (STP) to prioritise strong border security measures can strengthen Kenya's defences. Strengthening the Jubaland buffer zone and helping Somalia's disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) initiatives can help weaken terrorist organisations. Furthermore, efforts in Kenya's border counties' socioeconomic development can reduce the attraction to extreme ideas. Implementing comprehensive border security measures provides an additional avenue for improving overall security. According to the analysis, AMISOM's transition represents a complicated security tightrope walk for Kenya. To counteract the problem, Kenya must address the highlighted dangers while capitalising on existing opportunities. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated an F statistic of 139.893 and a p value of 0.000<0.05, implying that the transition of the Kenyan contingent in the African Union mission in Somalia significantly predicts Kenya’s national security. The regression weights model showed that the transition of the Kenyan contingent in the African Union mission in Somalia had a negative and significant influence on Kenya’s national security (β = -0.368, P =.000<.05). Recommendations include actively shaping the STP, strengthening the Jubaland buffer zone, and stationing enough security personnel along the border. Promoting bilateral and multilateral engagement with Somalia is critical for resolving lingering concerns and maintaining regional stability. By taking these steps, Kenya can protect its national security throughout AMISOM's handover.

Understanding Bangladesh's security governance through peacekeeping assemblage: does contribution matter?

Abstract How do international peacekeeping experiences inform the security governance of contributing states from the global South? This article advances theoretical and policy arguments that international peacekeeping exposure contributes to forming multitudes of effects on domestic security affairs and shaping the contributing countries' security governance. The analysis problematizes the transformation of norms, policies, practices and institutional approaches in shaping the national security outlook of the contributing nations. Considering peacekeeping as a discursive ‘glo-cal’ affair and Bangladesh as a critical case, this study underscores how Bangladesh's contributions to United Nations Peace Support Operations (UNPSOs) inform its security governance. The article adopts a qualitative–interpretive approach to examine the assembling effects of Bangladesh's participation in such endeavours. It highlights the transformation in security institutions, new capacities in knowledge and income-generating sectors, new peacekeeping norms, and partnerships in security cooperation as the cornerstones in the national security outlook. Extending the purview of the existing literature on contributors' roles and impact, this article has offered assemblage as a dynamic conceptual lens to understand new domestic significance for the armed forces as global peace providers. Challenges related to the struggle for democracy, political stability and good governance persist in Bangladesh; nevertheless, the peacekeeping assemblage explains how the country has considered accelerating its global peace endeavours.

In Pursuit of Excellence: Analysing the Indispensable Nature of Conduct and Discipline of Nepali Army in UN Peace Support Missions

Nepal is currently ranked 2nd among the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) in United Nations Peace Support Operations. In this context, this paper examines the contribution of the Nepali Army's military conduct and discipline to the effectiveness of UN Peace Support Missions. The theoretical foundations delve into pertinent theories, particularly emphasizing Kevin S. Donohue's concepts of Discipline A (voluntary, value-based Attitudes) and Discipline B (externally enforced Behavioral responses) within the military framework. Maintaining conduct and discipline in UN peace operations is essential for ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of these missions. Therefore, prior UN reports and the Secretary General's Special Bulletin from 2015 to 2022 are comparatively analyzed to reflect on occurrences of misconduct involving peacekeepers from TCCs. Likewise, a quantitative comparative analysis assesses the status of the Nepali Army in terms of military conduct analyzing the rate of allegations of misconducts against it. The study employs descriptive statistics to analyze the status of misconduct allegations including that of serious misconduct to advocate for a stronger integration of military conduct with UN peacekeeping mandates, aiming to enhance overall effectiveness and elevate ethical standards in international peace operations. The findings underscore Nepal's exemplary practices in fostering both Discipline B and Discipline A within its peacekeeping forces. The paper concludes by demonstrating the substantial positive impact of disciplined behaviour on mission outcomes

Unveiling the Dynamics of Ethiopian Defence Diplomacy: A Focus on Peacekeeping Contributions

This paper mainly addresses Ethiopia's defence diplomacy through its participation in peace support operations. This qualitative research study aims to analyze and synthesize the findings from relevant literature reviews to show to what extent Ethiopia has used peacekeeping participation as a tool of defence diplomacy in contributing to peace and security, especially in the Horn of Africa region. The paper finds that Ethiopian defence diplomacy is essential for Ethiopia to achieve its global foreign policy objectives, promote regional stability and cooperation, and seek regional influence.

The Inadvertent Influence of Peacekeeping and Peace Support Operations on Ghana’s Armed Forces

ABSTRACT Ghana’s Armed Forces (GAF) have demonstrated an aptitude for tackling insecurity, professionalism, and the capacity to contribute to and support United Nations-led Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) and African Peace Support Operations (PSOs). Displaying its preparedness to deal with emerging challenges during these missions has gained GAF recognition as an active African force involved in peace and security matters and, more broadly, peacekeeping and PSOs across the African continent. However, Ghana and, more specifically, the GAF face numerous evolving threats, ranging from transnational non-state actors and violent extremism to domestic insurgencies. This paper argues that while GAFs have built a wealth of knowledge in peacekeeping, this expertise is not reflected in a similar ability to tackle Ghana’s emerging threats since GAFs’ development has focused primarily on capabilities gained from PKOs and PSOs, impacting the forces approach when dealing with new internal threats.

Countering Terrorism through Peace Support Operations, Lessons from the African Union Mission in Somalia

Abstract The African Union (au) has responded to the political and security crisis in Somalia by deploying the au Mission in Somalia (amisom) in 2007. The amisom was au’s largest and the most complex peace support operation and one of its strategic objectives became degrading Al-Shabaab and reducing the threat posed by terrorist groups. While amisom has contributed to reducing the territorial spread of the group, over the past 16 years, it has at a heavy cost of counterterrorism operations deployed in extremely risky conditions, resulting in high cost of human life. Drawing on some of the lessons of amisom, this paper examines the effectiveness and sustainability of African-led Peace Support Operations in countering terrorism. The paper illustrates some of the shortfalls of military heavy response and makes the case for a conceptual framework (comprehensive approach), for dealing with the threat of terrorism in Somalia driven by a number of underlying political, economic and social factors. Finally, the paper reflects on how amisom has shaped continental policies and responses to insecurity.

Special Issue on the Evolving Nature of African-Led Peace Support Operations and African Armies

Abstract This special issue delves into the evolving nature of African-led Peace Support Operations and their development over the last two decades. The authors explore how states have improved their security and military capabilities to face emerging and existing threats. The papers in this issue illustrate how African-led operations have progressed and how they have been designed to stabilise states, environments, and regions. These operations have been complemented by Regional Economic Communities/ Regional Mechanisms (recs/rms) and Ad-hoc Security Initiatives, which have all deployed intervention missions to tackle various challenges. The papers also note that the increasing presence of African troops in UN missions with stabilisation mandates has allowed the au, recs/rms, and state military to learn through training, national rules of engagement, and civil-military relations and to contribute diverse first-hand experience in African-led Peace Support Operations and UN peacekeeping efforts. Finally, the special issue explores whether some sub-Saharan African states have employed restructuring policies by deploying forces to African-led psos and UN peacekeeping operations and whether this strategy has impacted the effectiveness of their forces.

Ghana Armed Forces’ Contributions to African-Led Peace Support Operations from 1990-2020

Abstract Ghana’s role in African-led peace support operations (pso) is best situated within the first Economic Community of West African States Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ecomog) mission deployed in 1990 to Liberia. Ghana, and Nigeria, spearheaded this initiative at a time when regional interventions in intra-state conflicts had not been properly elaborated and UN collaboration with regional organizations in conflict interventions were underdeveloped. Through its multiple expanded contributions in Sierra Leone, La Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Gambia, Ghana’s experiences provide critical and important cognitive lessons in how a resource constrained state adapted to the changing operational environments of pso s. This paper explores Ghana’s contributions to ecowas pso s and argues that Ghana, though not a hegemon, has been a driving force behind some ecowas pso s. It argues that participation in pso s have provided opportunities through which Ghana has demonstrated and enhanced its influence and agency in regional affairs and the international system.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of African-led Peace Support Operations through an Adaptive Stabilisation Approach

Abstract The African continent’s security landscape is constantly changing. Alongside this evolution, changes in the global order have emerged, a decline of multilateralism and an overreliance on security tools to defeat terrorism across Africa. In contrast, these challenges have allowed the African continent and its peace and security mechanisms under the African Peace and Security Architecture to respond to these insecurities through African-led Peace Support Operations (pso)—amongst other mechanisms. These African capacities, particularly in pso, have not always been consistently deployed as part of a multidimensional approach to dealing with insecurity. African-led pso s have evolved and developed unique characteristics distinguishing them from traditional peacekeeping operations. However, their increased use as a sole mechanism to deal with insecurity has led to a deficiency in broader conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and peacemaking mechanisms. This has made it difficult for African-led pso s to tackle the growing and intersecting challenges and dynamics the continent faces now and in the future. This article posits that while African-led pso s have come to represent an increase in African agency, capability and utilisation, their increased use to deal with insecurity has led to African-led pso s failing to deal with intersecting and growing challenges and dynamics the continent faces. Thus, the article argues that there is a need for African-led pso s to be more agile, adaptive and comprehensive through the adoption of an Adaptive Stabilisation Approach.

The Representation of Women in African-Led Peace Support Operations

Abstract The discourse on the evolving nature of African-led peace support operations (pso) is not complete without asking how gender-inclusive they are. Women have historically been underrepresented within the peace and security space. While several interventions have been made to ensure that pso s on the continent become better, the same cannot be said for gender inclusion. This article examines the participation of women in African-led pso s. It draws on Rwanda as a case study to contextualize the discourse on how gender inclusive African police and troops contributing countries (p/tcc s) are. The analysis finds that efforts at improving pso s on the African continent have not translated into increased representation of women. In particular, African p/tcc s are yet to ensure a considerable number of women in their deployments. The article recommends that there needs to be concerted effort by African p/tcc s and other regional organizations to ensure gender-inclusivity in African-led pso s.

Beyond the Battlefield: the Impact of United Nations and African-Led Peacekeeping on Enhancing Capabilities of African Armies

Abstract The character of conflicts across Africa has evolved, necessitating the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN pko), African-led Peace Support Operations (pso) and African states to adapt their approach to dealing with emerging insecurities. As a response, African states have deployed their armies to UN pko, African-led pso s and other peace operations to not only support these missions’ objectives and receive training for their forces but also to develop security and military capacities to deal with emerging and existing threats. Drawing on the cases of Chad and Ghana, the paper explores the formation of the respective armies, their influence on their political systems and how the respective armies have been influenced by their participation in peacekeeping operations. The analysis finds that despite being under-equipped and working in challenging environments. Both forces influence and shape the mission’s tempo and style of operations by adapting to regional challenges, which is a consequence of the historical and strategic style of the respective militaries but are also capitalised on by the UN pko and African-led pso. Finally, the paper finds that dissimilar environments where the armies are deployed contribute to shaping and supporting both armies’ evolution, increasing their overall agency and legitimacy in peacekeeping.

Transferring Policy: The African Union's Protection of Civilians Policy in Peacekeeping Missions in Somalia and South Sudan

The African Union's (AU's) doctrine underlying Peace Support Operations (PSOs) highlights the fact that the AU should take the lead in providing political direction for all AU PSOs. This includes mainstreaming the standards and operating procedures applicable to the Protection of Civilians (PoC). The PoC guidelines mandate the AU to support and complement the efforts of the host state by enhancing its capacity to secure civilians and prevent abuse against them. The guidelines have allowed the AU to develop and grow its institutional capacity and emerge as the continent's leading institution. It provides fragile member states with technical support through African-led and AU-mandated missions (crafting the concept of operations, training and implementation and procedures for peace operations). However, little is known about how the AU transfers its PoC policy to member states during peacekeeping missions. This paper assesses the institutional capacity of the AU and its ability to influence specific national PoC policies and approaches through AU PSO and United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKOs). The paper highlights that although the AU has made progress in PoC policy, it has not been implemented effectively and practically in South Sudan and Somalia, despite being a significant priority for the organisation.

Generation three and a half peacekeeping: Understanding the evolutionary character of African-led Peace Support Operations

ABSTRACT African-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs) were established to support the African peace and security architecture by developing integrated capacities for deployment in crises. However, since the deployment of the first African-led PSOs, there has also been the emergence of new types of African-led PSOs, such as the African Union Mission in Somalia; the Lake Chad Basin Commission Multinational Joint Task Force; the Joint Force for the Group of Five for the Sahel; the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique; and the East African Community Force in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The paper examines why African-led PSOs have emerged, arguing that these operations have allowed for increased African agency and shaped the African peace and security space. The paper finds that African-led PSO reflects a more regional and local-specific response in a declining era of new United Nations peacekeeping operations but has also resulted in an overreliance on force to solve the continent’s peace and security issues. Consequently, the paper arrives at a novel conceptualisation of African-led PSOs, positing that they represent generation three and a half of peacekeeping which focus on the effectiveness of force and the morality of using force to deal with insecurity and multifaceted crisis.

African-Led Peace Support Operations in a declining period of new UN Peacekeeping Operations

Abstract The United Nations is known to be the preeminent body to authorize and oversee international peacekeeping missions; however, new forms of African-led Peace Support Operations (PSO s) are increasingly common, innovative, and context-specific. This paper examines the evolution of African-led PSO s and argues that African-led PSO s are filling a vacuum and taking on responsibilities once assumed by the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKO). The paper posits that the rise of African-led PSO s is due to the growing need for security and respond to the changing nature of conflict, the spread of insecurity and terrorism, and cross-border violence. Finally, the paper explores the implications of these operations for future missions in Africa, arguing that the future of African-led PSO s may be the preferred choice, with Regional Economic Communities and Ad-hoc Security Initiatives leading the way.

Paradigms of Humanitarian Intervention and Peace Support Operation in War Zone: A Reflection of Russo-Ukrainian War

Humanitarian intervention and Peace support operation has become an increasingly important and as well as turning into controversial topic over time. The Russian-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014, serves as a relevant case study for the discussion of humanitarian intervention and Peace support operation. The Russia-Ukraine war is a complex and politically sensitive matter involving several parties with competing interests. The violence within the region has resulted in a substantial amount of human suffering, including displacement, injuries, and deaths; as a result, there is an immediate need for humanitarian relief to assist those who have been affected. However, before taking any action, especially one with military repercussions, there is a need to weigh the political ramifications and ensure that doing so will not only make things worse but also violate international norms. Thus, the difficulty lies in bringing about a permanent and peaceful conclusion to the conflict while also providing adequate humanitarian aid in various forms. Therefore, this paper examines the impact of humanitarian intervention and Peace support operation in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian War. From the findings of the paper, it was revealed that the war has had a huge humanitarian impact on both Russia and Ukraine. While allies of either side could not officially participate in the war, they provided each side with various supports ranging from military assistance, financial aid, healthcare services to diplomatic support, to bring the woes of the war to an end. This paper concludes that the Russian-Ukrainian War serves as a key example of the complexities and challenges of humanitarian intervention in situations of war. It highlights the importance of finding new and innovative approaches to address mass atrocities, while also emphasizing the need for the international community to find a way to address the humanitarian crisis in conflict-affected regions.

Paradigms of Humanitarian Intervention and Peace Support Operation in War Zone: A Reflection of Russo-Ukrainian War

Paradigms of Humanitarian Intervention and Peace Support Operation in War Zone: A Reflection of Russo-Ukrainian War

Paradigms of Humanitarian Intervention and Peace Support Operation in War Zone: A Reflection of Russo-Ukrainian War

Humanitarian intervention and Peace support operation has become an increasingly important and as well as turnining into controversial topic over time. The Russian-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014, serves as a relevant case study for the discussion of humanitarian intervention and Peace support operation.The Russia-Ukraine war is a complex and politically sensitive matter involving several parties with competing interests. The violence within the region has resulted in a substantial amount of human suffering, including displacement, injuries, and deaths; as a result, there is an immediate need for humanitarian relief to assist those who have been affected. However, before taking any action, especially one with military repercussions, there is a need to weigh the political ramifications and ensure that doing so will not only make things worse but also violate international norms. Thus, the difficulty lies in bringing about a permanent and peaceful conclusion to the conflict while also providing adequate humanitarian aid in various forms. Therefore, this paper examines the impact of humanitarian intervention and Peace support operation in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian War. From the findings of the paper, it was revealed that the war has had a huge humanitarian impact on both Russia and Ukraine. While allies of either side could not officially participate in the war, they provided each side with various supports ranging from military assistance, financial aid, healthcare services to diplomatic support, to bring the woes of the war to an end. This paper concludes that the Russian-Ukrainian War serves as a key example of the complexities and challenges of humanitarian intervention in situations of war. It highlights the importance of finding new and innovative approaches to address mass atrocities, while also emphasizing the need for the international community to find a way to address the humanitarian crisis in conflict-affected regions. Keywords: Conflict, Humanitarian intervention, peace support operation, Russia-Ukraine, war. DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/99-02 Publication date: April 30 th 2023

Civilian Dimensions of Peace Support Operations in Africa

Abstract Civilian dimensions complement the Military and Police components of Peace Support Operations (pso s) in contemporary peace missions. This article will focus on enhancing civilian capacities to enable them play their roles in mandate implementation. To properly interrogate this phenomenon, the concept of civilian dimensions in pso will be clearly defined in the light of rationale for participation. Furthermore, existing mechanisms in the UN, AU and ecowas will be utilised to underscore the significance of civilians owing to the changing dynamics of the conflict and security environment. The structures of two missions, African-led International Support to Mali (afisma) and African Mission in Somalia (amisom) will be used to highlight the achievements and existing gaps, in civilian dimensions in Africa. The final section addresses the challenges militating against the development of civilian dimensions and its future in Africa.

Lübnan Tezkereleri Üzerinden Türkiye’nin Barışı Destekleme Harekâtlarına Katılım Motivasyonlarına Yönelik Bir İnceleme

Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri’nin (TSK) yurt dışında kullanılması teklifleri olarak hükûmet tezkereleri, kimi zaman rutin bir Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi (TBMM) işlemi olarak yürütülmekte kimi zaman da toplumun tüm kesimlerince günlerce tartışılmakta, hatta siyasi krizlere neden olabilmektedir. Özellikle tartışmalı tezkereler; ulusal güvenlik ve dış politika açısından hayati kararlara veya Türk siyasal hayatındaki dönüm noktalarına dönüşebilmekte, aynı zamanda Türkiye’nin Barışı Destekleme Harekâtlarına (BDH) katılım politikalarına ilişkin önemli ipuçları verebilmektedir. Bu makalenin amacı; literatür taraması ve içerik analizi yöntemlerinden ve sosyal inşacı yaklaşımdan yararlanarak, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon-II (UNIFIL-II) katılımı örneği üzerinden, tezkerelerin ve dolayısıyla BDH’na katılım kararlarının arkasındaki karmaşık yapı ve etkenleri ortaya koymak ve Türkiye’nin BDH’na katılımlarındaki temel motivasyonlarının neler olduğuna ilişkin çıkarımlarda bulunmaktır. Makale; Türkiye’nin BM Lübnan misyonuna katılımında başlangıçta dış faktörlerin etkili olduğunu, fakat sonraki yıllarda iç motivasyonların daha etkili hale geldiğini, hem söylem hem de eylemlere yansıyan bu değişimin ise sosyal inşacı yaklaşımla daha iyi açıklanabileceğini iddia etmektedir. Bunun yanında, çok girdili ve hassas dengeler üzerine kurulu katılım kararlarının iç siyaset konusu haline geldiğinde yanlış yönlendirme ve tehlikeli ayrışmalara da yol açabildiği görülmektedir.