From States to Secretariats: Delegation in the African Union Peace and Security Council. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hardt, Heidi
• Is Part Of: African security. Volume 9:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 187
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: African Union -- Peace and Security Council -- delegation -- secretariat -- informal governance; National security -- Africa -- Periodicals; Security, International -- Africa -- Periodicals; Civil war -- Africa -- Periodicals; Africa -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 303.66096
• DOI: 10.1080/19392206.2016.1208474
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1939-2206

Abstract

ABSTRACT: African Union member states are formally responsible for deciding on peace operation mandates, yet evidence from the African Union Peace and Security Council indicates that states informally delegate some decision-making autonomy to the commission. Given the commission's formal responsibilities in implementation, why have member states delegated any decision-making in international security? This article argues that, faced with resource limitations, African Union states surrender some decision-making autonomy to access relevant information, make informed decisions, and strengthen mandates. The argument challenges assertions that delegation does not occur in security decision-making. Findings draw on interviews with African Union ambassadors, commission staff, and other regional organization elites.