NORCAP - part of the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Post

Glad to share that my latest article on" Resolving the Libyan conflict: Twelve years of failure'' is now included in 'ORIENT' the journal for politics, economics, and culture of the Middle East published by the German Orient-Institute. The article sheds light on the mediation that the international community and the United Nations have been attempting in Libya ever since the Arab spring reached this Arab North African country in 2011, only to be plagued by conflict and episodes of civil war, violence, human rights violations and foreign meddling. The author examines these efforts and assesses the role of the supranational organisation in conflict mediation, drawing lessons and conclusions that are valid for the entire MENA region and beyond. While mediation efforts continue unabated, the Libyan crisis seems to defy resolution. Reasons behind the failure could easily be identified by resorting to cliches that echo the orientalist tradition referring to the crisis and the failures to Libya’s lack of state and national identity. However, this article argues that the various mediation efforts failed because of their inherent deficiencies and the destructive effect of foreign powers’ rivalry, particularly between UNSC permanent members. At both the national and international levels, consensus has most frequently been hindered by conflicting foreign interests. https://lnkd.in/dxe8wtXG

Can Turkey's Mediation Reshape Somalia-Ethiopia Relations for Stability in the Horn of Africa? The concluded talks in Ankara have marked a shift in Somalia’s approach towards Ethiopia, showing that they are now more open to compromise. Before this, Somalia was firm. It was not willing to engage in discussions unless Ethiopia withdrew from the Somaliland agreement. But it seems the goals of the Ankara talks and even earlier engagements in Kenya were not clear. Somaliland who had signed an agreement with Ethiopia was not part of these discussions. This has always been a sore point because Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland strained relations and made the already uncertain stability in the Horn of Africa even more fragile. Turkey’s role as a mediator here is key. They're not just trying to keep the peace; they're also aiming to enhance their influence across Africa through economic, political, and military ties. The completion of these talks in Ankara signifies a notable change in diplomatic strategies. Looking ahead, there’s another round of talks planned for September 2024. It shows both countries are committed to keeping the conversation going, trying to sort out their differences through dialogue. Back in February, Turkey and Somalia signed a defence pact, with Turkey agreeing to support with military training and maritime security which lets Somalia better guard its waters. The main sticking points are still there though - territorial integrity and political disagreements, especially over how Ethiopia gets access to ports. Ethiopia’s interest in using ports in the breakaway region of Somaliland in exchange for official recognition is a major point of contention. But Ethiopia views Somalia’s defence deal with Turkey as a move to beef up its military capabilities amidst all these regional tensions. Because of complex historical aspect of conflicts and shifting alliances across emerging nations and global superpowers, past discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia showed mixed results. However, the recent discussions in Ankara are a crucial step toward their diplomatic ties. Managing their ties well is essential for keeping things stable in the region, given all the conflicts and political upheaval. Turkey’s role in getting these talks going could set the stage for how future regional conflicts are handled, showing just how effective diplomatic mediation can be.

‘The first item on the agenda for us, mediators and dialogue facilitators who usually work with non-violent conflict resolution, is to provide Ukraine with weapons, whatever paradoxically it may sound.’ In certain issues compromise is impossible. This applies, in particular, to the territorial integrity of the state. If the whole world has recognised that the occupation of the territory of another state is aggression, then the only option for the aggressor is to return these territories. If it is decided otherwise, international law and the international consensus on this issue would be violated. This would encourage other regimes to seize territories from neighbouring countries by force,’ says Tetiana Kyselova, mediation expert and founder of the Mediation and Dialogue Research Center at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, in an interview with the German edition of the Frankfurter Rundschau. Below are some of the highlights of the interview and a link to the full text in German: https://lnkd.in/eHC7x_ax  - There are clear principles of mediation in armed conflicts, which are set out, for example, in the UN guidelines. So we know what the classic approach to mediation looks like, but in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, it does not work because it is a very unusual situation. - If you look at more than 100 armed conflicts in the world, there is only one interstate hot conflict between an authoritarian and a democratic state. It is also recognised at the UN level that there is an aggressor state and a defending state. However, most principles of conflict resolution have been developed on the basis of civil war experience, where there are actors with legitimate claims against each other, and their interests need to be reconciled and compromises found. In the case of Ukraine, however, this is not working. - This should be clear to the West: our efforts to find diplomatic solutions do not mean that military support is no longer needed. Military deterrence must be maintained in any case, even if negotiations take place. President Zelenskyy initiated the Peace Formula process while the war is still ongoing, which is also very unusual. More than 80 states are involved in this peace process. Peace can only be achieved after geopolitical tensions are resolved. This is a very complex situation that is difficult to resolve - and military resistance is necessary at this time. - Tensions within Ukraine have increased significantly over the past two years. Since 2022, Ukrainian mediators and dialogue facilitators have united in the Ukrainian Community of Dialogue Practitioners to strengthen  social cohesion, including through the integration of psychological assistance, for example, in mixed teams of psychologists and mediators working in IDP centres. 

Mediation in the New World I believe that the current Israel-Palestinian conflict may result in the word finally understanding that war is not a final answer to anything. We need to learn to live together and resolve our differences in a non-violent manner, not as in the past where “might makes right”. The same is true of the current Russia-Ukraine war, the Armenian-Azerbaijani war, the Syrian civil war, etc., etc., etc., etc. Look at the results of the US efforts in Vietnam, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Not only unproductive, but counterproductive to our peace and security. Nothing is going to be accomplished by these unending wars, they just create increased resentment and hostility in the “losers” which festers until the next “war” breaks out. “When will they ever learn…” (Peter, Paul, and Mary from the 60’s). Not only is might not going to permanently make right anymore, but the world faces an ever-increasing possibility that lethal force will be elected by a power which has the capability of destroying the world through use of nuclear weapons. IT'S REALLY TIME TO START WORKING TOWARDS PEACE IN A FAIR, UNBIASED MANNER! There is nothing particularly great about the U.S. which gives it any moral authority to save the world. However, because of our constitution and the unique manner in which our country was settled, we may have a collective perspective different from most countries. A book popular some time age, The Territorial Imperative, discussed the role or territory in the actions of animals and questioned how these instincts might be hard-wired into human behavior. Because we are a nation of immigrants (with apologies of course to the Indians and other indigenous people) most of us have a “homeland” perhaps far away besides here in America. Due to this, we may have extinguished or at least diminished the fierce desire to protect a piece of property of little intrinsic value except in distant history. We also have remained largely untouched by the massive world wars that have engulfed the Eurasian continent over the years, and so be less fearful. MEDIATION IS AN ANSWER I know this might sound naïve. But what is the alternative?  We already have established international and regional institutions which could quickly set up a “fair” mediation within weeks to at least try to resolve international disputes. Countries would, of course, be free to blow up and invade their neighbors or other “enemies” but, just maybe, they might think twice about it after meeting their adversaries and talking it over a bit. We have to adapt to new conditions in our world, and free ourselves from blind defense of “territory”. Otherwise, we will become as extinct as the Dodo.

Mediation and peace processes At the Peacebuilding and Statebuilding course (Oxford Department of International Development), we discussed how and why mediation can contribute to peace processes. A few of the points raised and discussed: 1. Why would parties involved in a conflict want mediation? They must expect to get more through negotiations than through violence. This may happen if the parties conclude they have reached an intolerable situation or after being persuaded of better alternatives. Mediation between Russia and Ukraine, for example, is unlikely to work (at the moment) as both sides think they can get more by using force than through negotiations.   2. A mediator should have one of 3 roles. - Communication. Getting the parties to hear and understand each other better, not necessarily in direct contact. This is good for intractable conflicts (Bercovitch and Paul Diehl (1997). Solutions would come from the parties themselves. - Formulation. Mediators propose ways out of the dispute, persuading the parties. Mediators propose solutions. - Manipulation. The mediator uses carrots and sticks (or persuasion) to bring the parties to an agreement (see Zartman and Touval 2006).   3. A mediator should simplify the decision-making, reducing the number of veto players and negotiating parties. This was done in Northern Ireland by grouping the various actors into 2 blocs (see Curran 2004).   4. Being neutral is not that important in Track I diplomacy, and can be an obstacle if implies lack of influence. Being close to one of the parties is often an asset, as the mediator tends to have more leverage (e.g., through military aid). Actors with availability of resources have an advantage as mediators. The Camp David Accords (1978) were facilitated by the US willingness to give military aid to Egypt.   5. Who can be a mediator? Various actors, including official and unofficial ones. A few examples: heads of state, IOs, religious leaders, and mediation centres. 6. Track II diplomacy can help formal negotiations or in situations when there are no negotiations at all. The parties are non-official actors (elites or grassroots groups). When working with elites, preference should be given to those who may influence decision-makers but are not a party in the conflict. When working with grassroots groups, activities can be done with journalists, teachers, NGOs, or activists from both sides of a conflict. For academics as mediators, a model is the Interactive Problem Solving (see Kelman 2002).   7. Track II diplomacy initiatives should have a strategy to disseminate results, targeting insiders and/or outsiders. Insider strategies mean influencing people close to decision-makers and negotiators. In outsider strategies, the goal is to influence decision-makers through more indirect means: e.g. media reporting outcomes of the initiative, and public peace campaigns. Track I and Track II diplomacies can also be combined. Picture: USIP (mediation in Colombia)

A must read on how we need to upend our global understanding of "peacebuilding" - Paffenholz frames this new way of approaching conflict and peace as "perpetual peacebuilding".

The phrase "Not a World War but a world at war" – was the starting point of the concluding panel of the #ICForumCH titled ‘What is peace?” on April 12. I had the honor to participate together with Ambassador Mirko Manzoni and Comfort Ero moderated by Simon Geissbuehler. The world of peace promotion is changing as we see the highest number of armed conflicts since 1945 and these wars have the longest duration ever. The diminishing power of the UN and comprehensive peace agreements as well as new actors on the scene challenge many of the concepts we as an expert community have developed over the last 25 years.  What does this mean for Switzerland, precisely for Swiss peace promotion policy and practice? Switzerland entered the peacebuilding and mediation field like many others at the end of the 1990s by institutionalising Swiss peace policies in diplomacy and international cooperation.    Swiss peace promotion policy quickly professionalised with priority countries and advisors working at the Embassies, joint country programs, and mediation training courses that became signature courses in our field. 25 years later an entirely new world order is emerging, and Swiss peace promotion policies and practices need a rethink based on three dimensions: ‘ ➡️ First, a differentiated analysis of the variety of different contextual situations that present different responses (e.g. closed political spaces like Afghanistan or Myanmar; new emerging national dialogue spaces in different political sectors; situations of military coups and armed conflicts with no peace processes or minimal ones). This analysis also entails consequential conversations about the core values and strategies and how to achieve them considering changing actors and contexts. This might require the courage to let go of established concepts such as a linear understanding of peacebuilding including the tracks and our understanding of success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ecnPCgN ➡️ Second, there is a need for a move towards flexible and creative response strategies that build on core Swiss strengths, such as defining entry points and niches for change quickly and strategically; intentionally influencing policy spaces that matter including and beyond the UN system, e.g. OECD - OCDE; The World Bank, International Monetary Fund and new forums set up in the ‘Global South’. ➡️Third, providing dialogue platforms for interesting topics to advance the field and include fostering dialogue with new actors from the emerging non-alignment alliance as well as other unusual actors within and beyond our field. This is a role Switzerland can play much easier than other actors in particular when co-chaired with new actors. Swiss peace promotion policy is built on a solid base and can allow itself to be courageous to foster its relevance in a new area. 

📢New DPPA-OHCHR practice note: “Enhancing the Quality and Effectiveness of Mediation Efforts through Human Rights” Discover how human rights can support mediation, good offices and preventive diplomacy 🕊️. Read: https://lnkd.in/eAjmbjKb   📺 Tune in to the launch of the practice note on Tuesday, 7 November at 2:15 pm EST (New York): https://lnkd.in/eE8u_unU   Summary: A central purpose of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security. We engage in conflict prevention, mediation, and good offices to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes. Throughout, the UN emphasizes respect for human rights as a fundamental principle. In this context, the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have jointly developed a practice note entitled “Enhancing the Quality and Effectiveness of Mediation Efforts through Human Rights”.   This practice note explores how human rights can support UN mediation, good offices and preventive diplomacy efforts. It details practical strategies and provides fourteen real-world examples of how mediators can use human rights to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their work, including through opening space for political negotiations, strengthening ongoing peace processes and reinvigorating stalled efforts.

One resource that I would recommend on the topic of mediation is the book "Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In" by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton. This book is a classic in the field of negotiation and mediation and is widely regarded as a valuable resource for both professionals and individuals seeking to enhance their conflict resolution skills. "Getting to Yes" offers practical strategies for reaching mutually beneficial agreements through principled negotiation. The authors present the concept of "principled negotiation" as an approach that focuses on separating the people from the problem, focusing on interests rather than positions, generating multiple options for mutual gain, and using objective criteria to evaluate possible solutions. The book provides insightful anecdotes, real-world examples, and step-by-step guidance, making it accessible and relevant to readers interested in mediation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and effectively managing emotions, fostering open communication, and working towards collaborative solutions. This book is worth checking out because it offers a comprehensive framework for mediation that can be applied to a variety of personal and professional settings. It equips readers with practical tools and techniques to navigate complex negotiations and resolve conflicts in a constructive and mutually beneficial manner. Whether you are new to mediation or looking to enhance your skills, "Getting to Yes" provides valuable insights and guidance that can help you become a more effective mediator. #mediate #conflictresolution #mediationprocess #mediator #disputeresolution #negotiation #mediatefirst #communication #conflictmanagement #alternativeconflictresolution #internationalmediation #peacemediation #conflictresolution #diplomacy #negotiation #peacebuilding #mediator #peaceprocess #UNmediation #conflictmanagement

📰Mediation in diplomatic conflicts. Examples from Latin America 👤Maria Zhomartkyzy (School No.101 named atter A.Muslimov, Kazakhstan) 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eX2ngmXn Abstract Mediation plays a key role in resolving diplomatic conflicts, especially in regions where established relations between countries are of strategic importance. The article explores the importance and effectiveness of mediation in the region by looking at specific cases of their use. Over the past decades, Latin America has faced many diplomatic disputes related to borders, trade, resources and other important issues. In such a context, mediation has shown its ability to resolve conflicts through third party mediation. The article analyzes successful examples of mediation, such as the resolution of border conflicts between Colombia and Venezuela, and the peaceful settlement of trade agreement disputes between Chile and Peru. Special attention is paid to the role of mediators and their strategies in overcoming protracted and acute controversies. The importance of neutrality, trust and diplomatic skill in mediation processes is emphasized. In addition, the article analyzes the impact of mediation on long-term relations between countries, emphasizing the positive results in cooperation and reduction of tensions. By analyzing case studies, the authors emphasize that mediation plays a key role in resolving complex tensions between countries. The article emphasizes the role of mediators and the strategies they use to achieve successful outcomes. Neutrality, trust and diplomatic skill are highlighted as important components of successful mediation. In the context of Latin America, a region with many diplomatic disputes, the article analyzes examples of successful mediation, such as the resolution of border conflicts and trade disputes. These practical cases confirm mediation's ability to alleviate tensions and promote peaceful conflict resolution Finally, the article emphasizes that mediation plays an important role in peace and stability in Latin America by facilitating the resolution of diplomatic conflicts. The article's examination of successful practical examples of mediation demonstrates that this method has great potential for resolving complex international disputes and enabling interaction and cooperation between states in the region and beyond. The main conclusion of the article is that mediation has significant potential for application in diplomatic conflicts in Latin America. It helps to create conditions for cooperation between countries and supports stability in the region. Examining successful case studies and analyzing mediators' strategies makes the article relevant and informative for researchers, diplomats and anyone interested in international relations and conflict resolution #sciencerise_juridical_science #law #legal #research #science #humanrights #cooperation #diplomacy #mediation #mediators #neutrality #stability #strategies #trust