Multilevel operations in the management of asymmetric conflicts: from growing cooperation to a strategic partnership. Reflections around the integrated stabilization operations in Mali and Central African Republic

Currently, different areas of international law require both a multi-level analysis and an action that allows, from complementary perspectives, the effective management and resolution of international crises. The multi-level dimension implies that an international response as well as the involvement other actors, subjects or international organizations especially related to the region or area of action. New mandates attributed to the operations of peacekeeping, particularly those relating to the survival of the State and its political and social structures, measures against terrorism and insurgency as well as those related to strengthening the rule of law and protecting respect for human rights, provided that this operations come from organizations not only close to the conflict zone but also that have links and shared responsibilities of cooperation and stabilization. Proof of this reality is the involvement of African Unity and other African organizations in various peacekeeping operations authorized by United Nations. The European Union in the framework of its Common Security and Defense Policy has also authorized different crisis management operation in areas where United Nations Blue Helmets and other regional peacekeeping forces operate. In addition to the general objective of maintaining international peace and security, the system of European Union intervention in these cases is justified by the impact of these conflicts on the stability of the EU member states as well as on the different links of cooperation and development existing. Moreover, the threats derived of the new phenomenon of international terrorism and their manifestations in Europe have impelled to the EU to reinforce its action in these scenarios. But alongside UN and EU military operations, national military operations have also been carried by invoking historical and political links. This is the case of the French intervention in the conflicts of Central African Republic and Mali, operations in which Spain has also intervened. Precisely this work intends to analyze the different issues arising from these multilevel actions, since the core principles that legitimize the intervention (including the use of armed force), to the rules of cooperation and coordination between the various operations and the consequences resulting from them.