The infrastructures of war and peace
Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management
ISSN: 2042-6747
Article publication date: 3 August 2021
Issue publication date: 26 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the need for and develop a framework for research on the effects UN peace operation infrastructure has on a host nation. Mission infrastructure serves primarily to sustain a mission. As the mission terminates, infrastructure is often transferred to the host nation. The mission infrastructures could have both positive and negative implications for the host nation and for local communities.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploratory approach to develop a foundation for a research agenda in an area with little existing research. Identify theoretical contributions related to infrastructures, combine with primary data from one peace operation, secondary data from five other peace operations and from the UN repositories.
Findings
This study proposes a research agenda. As such our findings relate to the identification and classification of different infrastructures and their interdependencies.
Research limitations/implications
This framework would contribute to new ways of exploring and analysing both the effectiveness of peace operations and the impact a mission has on the development in the host nation.
Practical implications
This study proposes a framework for research. As such, it will have implications primarily for researchers.
Social implications
Understanding the interdependencies between mission infrastructures and the material and social infrastructures of a host nation would help understanding what value mission infrastructure brings to a host nation and the local communities.
Originality/value
Analysing the logistics in peace support operations as networks of infrastructures bring new perspectives into humanitarian logistics.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is partly based on research undertaken by members of the Effectiveness of Peace Operations Network; EPON (https://effectivepeaceops.net). The aim of EPON is to enhance the effectiveness of international peace operations by enabling and supporting collaborative research. The primary data from UNAMID was collected during the EPON UNAMID field visit to Darfur. In addition to the author of this manuscript, seven other researchers from different international institutions participated. The EPON studies are administered by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs; NUPI (www.nupi.no).
Funding: The Norwegian Ministry of Defence funded the field visit to Darfur, Sudan for the Norwegian researchers by covering travel and accommodation expenses of NOK 80.000,‐.
Citation
Listou, T. (2021), "The infrastructures of war and peace", Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 661-679. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-06-2021-0054
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited