Mediation environment
Mediating election-related conflicts
Beyond major conflicts in Africa over the territorial integrity of states such as Sudan and Somalia, many recent conflicts on the continent are ignited by grievances over bad governance and exclusionary political practices. In many cases, flawed or failed elections have either precipitated political disputes or aggravated simmering tensions into an outburst of conflict. For example, in the last five years, violent conflicts have ensued from the competition for political power in Africa as demonstrated by dramatic election-related crises in Ethiopia, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Why should mediators consider the economic dimensions of conflicts?
In this paper, the author looks at the reasons why mediators should be giving more attention to the economic dimensions of conflicts, in particular when natural resources are at stake, and some of the ways in which they might achieve this.
Resources, rising powers and international security
Energy security and the rise of China and India are two important elements of the current international discourse. Yet, we have barely begun to understand the full import of the intersection between the two issues. This paper raises some broader questions on the tension between the two Asian giants’ quest for energy security and the presumed Western consensus on the organising principles of international security. The paper begins with an assessment of the unfolding changes in the foreign policies of China and India amid the new imperatives of economic growth and resource security.
Charting the roads to peace
A pilot publication of facts, figures and trends in conflict resolution.
Mediation in African conflicts: The gap between mandate and capacity
Given the frequency with which high-level peacemaking is undertaken in Africa, there is surprisingly little discussion in official circles about the science and art of mediation.
The first part of this paper examines some of the specific problems in this regard: insufficient expertise in mediation; inadequate institutional support for mediators; no institutional memory and learning; and no viable concept of mediation. The second part of the paper proposes the establishment of specialist mediation units in the AU and regional organisations as a means of addressing these problems.
Faith and Fear: How religion complicates conflict resolution in Southeast Asia
Focusing on Southern Thailand and Mindanao, this article critically examines the way in which the governments' response is affecting and transforming the role of local religious leaders in these conflicts. The perception of religion, Islam in particular, is complicating mediation efforts and preventing governments from designing feasible conflict resolution policies that seek to accommodate reasonably legitimate aspirations. Michael Vatikiotis traces the culturally and ethnically motivated struggle for independence in the region and illuminates how it is increasingly drawing on religion as a motivational tool.
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The views expressed in papers posted on this website are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the HD Centre.