Stability and stabilisation approaches in multinational interventions (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 966)

The data provided in this report is based on quantitative discourse analysis of all current UN, EU and NATO missions

Abstract

Query

How many multinational interventions are mandated to pursue an agenda for stability (local, regional or global) and how many are authorised to use ‘stabilisation’ approaches?

Overview

The use of stability and stabilisation approaches in multilateral interventions is a common feature. The majority of currently operating UN, EU and NATO multinational interventions explicitly refer to stability or stabilisation in their mandates and resolutions. However, these terms do not have standard definitions and are therefore being used in a variety of contexts.

This rapid report aims to inform debates around the use of stability and stabilisation approaches in multilateral interventions. The data provided is based on quantitative discourse analysis of all current UN, EU and NATO missions – with research gathered in two key areas: (a) the frequency of the use of the terms stability and stabilisation; and (b) the context in which they are used.

The report is structured as follows: this first section provides an explanation of the methodology and the key findings of the research; section 2 details the number of missions with stability and stabilisation approaches; section 3 details the location of these stability and stabilisation missions; section 4 explores the frequency of the use terms stability and stabilisation in the mandates/resolutions over time; finally section 5 examines the different approaches and contexts in which stability and stabilisation are employed.

Citation

Herbert, S. Stability and stabilisation approaches in multinational interventions (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 966). Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2013) 10 pp.

Stability and stabilisation approaches in multinational interventions (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 966)

Published 1 January 2013