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