21. Regime Complexity and Resource Dependence Theory in International Peacekeeping

As the theoretical landscape in the study of international organization (IO) interplay has brought about a number of approaches, this contribution aims at applying two prominent concepts: regime complexity and resource dependence theory (RDT). It is argued that these two concepts can complement each other because they refer to two levels of theorizing. While the former constitutes a meta-approach the latter is better suited at the mid-range level. This chapter finds that a regime complex exists in the field of international peacekeeping in Africa. In order to explore specific IO interaction within this regime complex, resource RDT is used. Empirically, the study explores two cases—Somalia and the Central African Republic (CAR). Conceptually, it is argued that five conditions are essential for resource exchange and they are actor autonomy, complementarity of resources, equitable (at least reciprocal) resource exchange, size of demand and supply of resources, and congruence of peacekeeping norms and interests.