ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that regionalism and collective conflict management are operating together in some of the world's most troubled conflict zones including the Middle East and North Africa. In order to better assess and compare the respective contributions, assets and liabilities of emerging regionalism and collective conflict management, it is useful to explore how they handle significant issues that arise when states and other actors respond to conflicts. The chapter explores the range of issues and choices arising in both military interventions and political-diplomatic initiatives. These include: legitimacy, management challenges, and precedents. The case of Libya is instructive about the necessity for regional support and legitimacy for military intervention. On March 27, NATO took over from the coalition of countries involved in the Libyan operations—which by now also included Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain—and undertook a mission to protect the embargo, patrol the no-fly-zones, and protect civilians.
