Paper short abstract:

Using implementation theory and through focusing on questions of coherence and coordination, this paper analyses the EU’s long-lasting crisis management activities in the specific case of the DR Congo and draws more general conclusions on its role as an international peace and security actor.

Paper long abstract:

Focusing on the European Union's role as a human security and crisis management actor in Africa, its engagement in the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is of specific interest. From 2003 onwards, and in addition to the more traditional areas of development and humanitarian assistance, the EU has been deploying five civil and military missions in the country. However, and despite the volume of civilian and military capabilities provided by the Union, the role the EU actually plays remains unclear as well as whether it meets its own expectations. This paper therefore intends to critically analyse the EU's approach in the DRC by using implementation theory as the theoretical and conceptual framework. Through the empirical investigation of the Union's crisis management activities, based on extensive field work in the DR Congo carried out in 2010, 2012 and 2013, the paper contributes to the understanding of the EU's current role as an actor in crisis management in the specific context of the DRC as well as more generally regarding its potential as a provider of international security. Thereby, questions of coherence and coordination between and within the different European entities will be centred since coherence and coordination in crisis management are understood as crucial with regard to developing a joint European strategic culture. However, preliminary results suggest so far that the Union does not fully exploit its potential as a peace and security actor in the DRC despite its huge financial commitment and the broad range of activities applied.