Operation Barkhane: Impacts of France‘s military intervention against jihadist insurgencies on the security environment in Mali

Bc. Terézia Rekšáková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Diplomová práca sa zameriava na vplyv vojenskej politiky Francúzska (od roku 2013 do roku 2022) proti džihádistickým povstalcom na krízu v Mali. V úvodnej časti práce sú vysvetlené hlboko zakorenené problémy, ktoré konflikt vyvolávajú. Následne je analyzovaná operácia Barkhane, vedená Francúzskom, ktorá sa ocitla v komplikovaných podmienkach, a bezpečnostná a politická situácia v krajine sa zároveň výrazne zhoršila. Spolu s dopadmi tejto misie práca analyzuje, ako napriek intervencii do- šlo k zhoršeniu bezpečnostného prostredia v Mali.

Abstract:

This master’s thesis focuses on the impacts that France’s military policy (since 2013 until 2022) against jihadist insurgencies has had on the intertwined set of crises in Mali. The initial part of the thesis explains the deep-rooted problems which trigger the conflict. French-led military Operation Barkhane is analysed subsequently, as the mission found itself under very complicated circumstances, while the security and political situation in the country deteriorated heavily. Alongside these impacts, the thesis analyses how the deterioration of Mali’s security environment has been made possible despite the intervention.

Keywords

Mali, hlboko zakorenená kríza, džihádistické povstalecké skupiny, Francúzsko, operácia Barkhane, „mission creep", deep-rooted crisis, jihadist insurgent groups, France, Operation Barkhane, mission creep

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 30. 5. 2022

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 15. 6. 2022
• Supervisor: Mgr. Josef Kraus, Ph.D.
• Reader: doc. PhDr. Roman Chytilek, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Security and Strategic Studies / Security and Strategic Studies