Introducing the Peacekeeping Mandates (PEMA) Dataset

Research on UN peacekeeping operations has established that operations' size and composition affect peacekeeping success. However, we lack systematic data for evaluating whether variation in tasks assigned to UN peacekeeping mandates matters and what explains different configurations of mandated tasks in the first place. Drawing on UN Security Council resolutions that establish, extend, or revise mandates of 27 UN peacekeeping operations in Africa in the 1991-2017 period, the Peacekeeping Mandates (PEMA) dataset fills this gap. It records 41 distinct tasks, ranging from disarmament to reconciliation and electoral support. For each task, the PEMA dataset also distinguishes between three modalities of engagement (monitoring, assisting, and securing) and whether the task is requested or merely encouraged. To illustrate the usefulness of our data, we re-examine Hultman, Kathman, and Shannon's (2013) analysis of operations' ability to protect civilians. Our results show that host governments and rebel groups respond differently to civilian protection mandates.

Automated summary

Research on UN peacekeeping operations has shown that the size and composition of operations impact their success. However, there is a lack of systematic data to evaluate the importance of variation in assigned tasks and the reasons behind different task configurations. This study utilizes the Peacekeeping Mandates (PEMA) dataset, which includes data from 27 UN peacekeeping operations in Africa between 1991 and 2017. The findings indicate that host governments and rebel groups respond differently to civilian protection mandates.