On the role of Gendarmeries in peacebuilding missions

In view of the trends of increasing global urbanization and the perpetuation of armed conflicts in so-called no-war-no-peace scenarios, armed forces are increasingly being deployed to police longer-term policing of urban areas and come into direct contact with the local population. Empirical studies indicate that military units, due to their respective doctrines as well as the limited capabilities to manage conflict through non-lethal means, are not well suited to take over longer-term policing responsibilities. Based on ethnographic research and qualitative interviews with local and international actors concerned with security governance, and in particular policing, this paper looks therefore at the role of Gendarmerie units as part of UN peacebuilding missions. It discusses the advantages and limitations of Gendarmerie policing and argues that the specific capabilities of Gendarmerie units are best suited for no war no peace scenarios or in the face of prolonged security gaps, the phase between open armed conflict and pacification.