From States to Secretariats: Delegation in the African Union Peace and Security Council

Abstract

African Union member states are formally responsible for deciding on peace operation mandates, yet evidence from the African Union Peace and Security Council indicates that states informally delegate some decision-making autonomy to the commission. Given the commission's formal responsibilities in implementation, why have member states delegated any decision-making in international security? This article argues that, faced with resource limitations, African Union states surrender some decision-making autonomy to access relevant information, make informed decisions, and strengthen mandates. The argument challenges assertions that delegation does not occur in security decision-making. Findings draw on interviews with African Union ambassadors, commission staff, and other regional organization elites.