Complexity through diversity : A within-case comparison on how diversity among peacekeepers in MINUSMA affects their coercive behaviour

Abstract: This thesis examines the relationship between the diversity among peacekeepers deployed and their use of complex forms of coercion. Diversity is a growing concept within research but has yet not been extensively investigated on the sub-national level. The proposed theory argues that higher levels of diversity among blue helmets deployed will lead to complementarity of skills and capabilities, which results in more complex uses of coercive methods. By conducting a within-case comparison between Sector West and Centre of MINUSMA in Mali, the results show some support for the theory. However, an added dimension of cross-sector complementarity is identified. By bridging literature on peacekeeping diversity and power in peacekeeping, this thesis attempts to add a sub-national level analysis to further guide the conduct of peacekeeping towards increased diversity.