RESEARCH BRIEF: What is the State of the State when UN Peacekeeping Operations Leave?

Recent research by Prof. Andrea Ruggeri and Dr. Maline Meiske shows that while many host state capacities may improve during UN PKO deployment, the positive state building outcomes often cannot be obtained after the closure of the operation.

The remarkable findings in this research brief is based on recent empirical evidence and analysis, and developed in collaboration with the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA). It indicates that host states are unable to achieve state building outcomes in pure material and economic terms, but also because they involve a potential risk of a decline of democracy and rule of law in these societies.