Worldwide for a more secure Netherlands: Legitimation and securitization of the Dutch participation in ISAF, SFIR, and MINUSMA

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the legitimation for the Dutch participation in the missions to Afghanistan (ISAF), Iraq (SFIR), and Mali (MINUSMA). By analyzing the dynamics of the corresponding political decision-making processes, a thorough basis is given on which the legitimation is positioned and understood. The distinctive characteristic of this research is the focus on securitization. The decision to embark on a mission to achieve security from potential threats invokes securitizing argumentation. Securitizing arguments have the ability to provide an effective way to clear the legitimacy threshold in place for decisions regarding the deployment of armed forces. Hence, this research analyzes what position securitization holds in the legitimation for the three missions. Securitization, as developed by the Copenhagen School, also provides the analytical tool to discern the stages of the political process. Finally, the research comprises a comparing effort to indicate recurrent tendencies of the Dutch twenty- first century cabinets. Extensive primary source analysis results in the finding that broadly applicable, universal arguments such as arguments of international solidarity and international responsibility prevail in the legitimation for participation. Furthermore, mission-specific securitizing arguments can be traced back in the legitimation of all missions, although they are most visible with MINUSMA.