Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Civil Conflict Fragmentation and the Effectiveness of UN Peacekeeping Operations

Arı, Barış; Gizelis, Theodora-Ismene

Civil Conflict Fragmentation and the Effectiveness of UN Peacekeeping Operations Thumbnail


Authors

Barış Arı

Theodora-Ismene Gizelis



Abstract

While the extant literature has highlighted the importance of UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs) in addressing commitment problems in civil wars, actor fragmentation presents additional challenges for conflict resolution. A higher number of competing actors not only worsens coordination problems but also aggravates the risk of opposition to a peace process, generating an environment prone to spoiler violence. This article argues that UN interventions matter more when commitment and coordination problems are worse, which corresponds to known traits of fragmented conflicts. Using data on civil conflict duration and intensity, we present evidence that UN PKOs are effective at mitigating adverse impacts of fragmentation. Fragmented conflicts are both longer and deadlier when the UN is not involved to support a peace process, while UN peacekeeping mitigates the effects of fragmentation.

Citation

Arı, B., & Gizelis, T. (2020). Civil Conflict Fragmentation and the Effectiveness of UN Peacekeeping Operations. International Peacekeeping, 27(4), 617-644. https://doi.org/10.1080/13533312.2020.1761255

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 14, 2020
Online Publication Date May 13, 2020
Publication Date 2020
Deposit Date May 28, 2020
Publicly Available Date Nov 13, 2021
Journal International Peacekeeping
Print ISSN 1353-3312
Electronic ISSN 1743-906X
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 27
Issue 4
Pages 617-644
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/13533312.2020.1761255

Files




You might also like



Downloadable Citations