The effect of identity on the success of international military interventions

Abstract

Does identity affect the success of international military interventions? This thesis examines whether one of the factors determining the success of international military interventions is identity. Knowing identity is such a complex concept, what are the components of identity? Although there are multiple factors at play in the construction of one state‟s identity, the focus is on history, religion and language, for their conceptual clarity and overt influence on the decision-making process of governments and more importantly individuals. Therefore, the thesis will (a) develop a concept of identity regarding interventions and (b) provide a more thorough and reflexive understanding of the role and the importance of identity for the success of international military interventions. In order for such a study to take place, key concepts are explained and elaborated upon, to see whether identity is one of the defining elements of a successful international military intervention or not. If identity is found to have a significant impact, it could be expected to have an important effect on the way policy makers conceptualize and operationalize international interventions.