Are EU-Led Security Ad-Hoc Coalitions (AHCs) Efficient? Scrutinizing the Symbiotic Relationship Between IOs and AHCs in Security Multilateralism

This article focuses on the efficiency of Ad-Hoc Coalitions (AHCs) with a focus on European Union (EU)-led security initiatives. Employing the Ad-Hoc Coalition Efficiency Framework (AHCEF), it analyzes six representative cases with criterias of (1) Legitimacy, (2) Defining Clear and Scalable Goals, (3) Scale of Contribution, (4) Flexibility and Peer-Pressure, (5) Conflicted Interests and Shared Role, (6) Operational Sustainability, (7) Cooperation or Coordination with other AHCs and IOs, and (8) Achieving or Serving for Better Outcomes. The article analyzes EU-led security AHC cases listed under three main categories: (1) Ad-Hoc Coalitions for Peacekeeping (EUFOR Bosnia and Operation Irini cases); (2) Ad-Hoc Coalitions for Security Provision (The EUNAVFOR Med Operation Sophia and the EUNAVMISSION Somalia cases); (3) Ad-Hoc Coalitions for Defence Assistance (EU Mali Training Group and EU Training Mission in Somalia cases). The research underscores the symbiotic relationship between AHCs and international organizations (IOs), highlighting the trade-offs between operational agility and multilateral legitimacy.