Stabilization and Human Security in UN Peace Operations

Alexander Gilder

Research output: Book/ReportBook

Abstract

UN peace operations are increasingly deployed to challenging situations of ongoing conflict with lofty expectations of being able to stabilize conflict zones, achieve national reconciliation, and rebuild state legitimacy. To achieve this the UN has begun to pursue ‘stabilization’ mandates.

This book investigates the relationship between UN stabilization mandates and the concept of ‘human security’. It relies on in-depth case studies of MINUSMA, MINUSCA, and UNMISS that apply a human security lens examining issues, such as human rights, empowerment, protection, and vulnerability. The book draws out several concerns that arise from stabilization mandates including the militarisation of UN peace operations and the consequences under international humanitarian law, the risks of close cooperation with the host state and engagement in counter-terror activities, and the potential clash between peacebuilding activities and militarisation. In the conclusion the book argues for human security to be used as a framework to allow the UN to adapt to future security developments in the face of a new breed of crises brought by an interconnected and globalised world.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherRoutledge
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2021

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