In the final research period of the SFB 700 (2014–2017), research project C6 contributed to the analysis of the consequences of governance in areas of limited statehood to both the state and the international system. The project investigated the effects of local mechanisms of appropriation or contestation in international statebuilding and governance interventions in West Africa and the Middle East. In this context, the project reconstructed the various perceptions of both local and international actors of present-day state-building efforts.

Côte d’Ivoire and Lebanon served as case studies for the collection of qualitative research data. C6 research associates Sina Birkholz (for the Lebanon case) and Tilmann Scherf (for the case of Côte d’Ivoire) completed several months of field research between 2015 and 2016 for the conduct of semi-structured and problem-centered expert interviews. In total, over 100 face-to-face interviews were carried out in both countries with relevant actors on the local as well as the international side. On the local side, interviews were conducted with government representatives of national ministries; politicians; civil society representatives; national staff members/advisors in international organizations; staff members of national administration and security agencies; and with journalists and researchers. Interlocutors on the international side included representatives of the international donor community in foreign embassies, as well as delegations; staff members of international organizations and foundations for security, peace, and development; as well as international consultants within national ministries.

Problem-centered questionnaires were developed in advance of the interviews in order to provide a structured guideline in terms of content, which could be individually and flexibly adapted to each interview (see attachment). Data results were anonymized and treated confidentially.

Contact: Ursula Schröder, schroeder@ifsh.de