The Nexus between Security, Development and Humanitarianism: A Critical Appraisal of Multi-dimensional Peace Missions

Abstract

UN peace missions have evolved from contained and specific mandates to broad and encompassing ones, implying complex management of resources and goals. Additionally, the traditional ‘phasing’ of approaches to violence has given way to multi-level and inter-connected responses that imply the involvement of military and civilian actors, with differentiated but interrelated objectives and principles of action. This chapter calls for a critical look at the inter-linkages implied in the ‘multi’ nature and scope of multi-dimensional peace missions, including how these have evolved in order to include humanitarian and development aspects. The challenges associated with this inclusion are discussed, especially with regard to coordination and rendering mandates operational. Emphasis is placed on local and communitarian aspects of intervention when analysing how the scope of mandates can address these challenges, adopting an integrated approach to conflict management, humanitarian action and development aid in order to respond to the complex settings of violence where missions take place. The chapter starts with an overview of the evolution of peace missions from their traditional to multi-dimensional mandates, setting the basis for this analysis. It then draws on the securitization framework to analyse the concepts of development and humanitarianism, rendering visible the challenges mentioned above.