ABSTRACT Examining the case of Mali, this work analyses the discursive strategies utilised by key actors to legitimise the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The analysis traces the legitimisation strategies deployed in both the official and unofficial discourses surrounding the operation. Using van Leeuwen’s conceptualisation of legitimisation, this work uncovers the subtle and not-so-subtle ways the dominant discourse foregrounds certain gendered harms. We argue that the primarily Western conceptualisation of the situation in Mali foregrounds the rape (of young girls) to form the strongest pro-intervention argument. Within this logic, the focus on the bodies of violated women and children aims at providing the undeniable and ultimate proof of barbarity of local rebels. This leads to an immediate need for deployment and continuation of a robust peacekeeping mission.

中文翻译：

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弱势妇女和野蛮强奸犯：联合国在马里的干预合法化

摘要 通过审查马里的案例，这项工作分析了主要参与者使用的话语策略，以使联合国马里多维综合稳定团（MINUSMA）合法化。该分析追溯了围绕该行动的官方和非官方话语中部署的合法化策略。使用 van Leeuwen 的合法化概念，这项工作揭示了主导话语突出某些性别危害的微妙和不那么微妙的方式。我们认为，西方对马里局势的主要概念化将强奸（年轻女孩）作为最强烈的支持干预论点。在这种逻辑下，对受侵犯妇女和儿童尸体的关注旨在提供不可否认的、最终证明当地叛乱分子的野蛮行为。