Crises on the doorstep and the horizon: the role of multilateralism in addressing complex crises in the Sahel and beyond

Abstract

This research addresses the central question of what is the role of multilateralism in managing contemporary crises such as those facing the Sahel, and why do multilateral efforts such as those used in the region often fail to reverse deteriorating situations despite receiving considerable international attention, intervention, and attempts at coordination? Combining a multi-method approach of in-depth interviews with relevant policy, governmental and civil society stakeholders within the region and relevant intergovernmental bodies alongside content analysis of key public facing policy documents this research presents three main arguments. Firstly; multilateral forms of crisis management have historically fallen into a prevailing approach characterised by its state centricity, thematic truncation of efforts, divergent conceptualisations of multilateralism and a veneer of cooperation, that has ultimately undermined efforts to address crises in the Sahel.

Secondly, actors approach multilateralism in different ways based on a range of factors that informs how their conceptualisation and practice leading to different interpretations that converge/conform/contest both within the Sahel and wider international system. Significantly, differing approaches come in to contrast during times of crises which exacerbate differences in understandings and practice resulting in crisis are not sufficiently addressed. Finally, multilateral crisis management has limited potential towards addressing the root causes of crises such as those seen in the Sahel thus, this research proposes a conceptual reorientation from crisis management towards Crisis Transformation (CTA). This research contributes towards advancing academic and practitioner knowledge of how multilateral responses to crises are constructed, implemented, sustained and invariably challenged, presents new empirical material and reflections on extant multilateralism literatures and offers empirically-supported insights on the nature, role and practicalities of managing crises multilaterally in settings such as the Sahel.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2030

Date of Award	Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Michael Bourne (Supervisor) & Alister Miskimmon (Supervisor)