Introduction

Abstract

This chapter aims to clarify the debate on stabilisation and provides an overview of the current thinking and practice related to international stabilisation efforts in the MENA region. It first examines how stabilisation has been approached and the ways in which current expressions of stabilisation differ from or are linked to competing concepts and practices. In particular, it highlights the inherently political nature of stabilisation activities. It then looks at the core challenge of promoting coherence and integration between a wide variety of military and non-military instruments that are considered part of the stabilisation toolbox. It finally assesses how the increasing reticence of Western states to engage in complex military operations has contributed to the emergence of new regional stabilisation actors in the MENA region.