Susan Allen Nan

Dimensions of International Negotiation: A Test of Iklé's Typology

Results from statistical analyses of 30 cases of international negotiations supported Iklés typology of negotiating objectives. The cases, sampled from the collection of Pew Case Studies in International Affairs, were distinguished in terms of five objectives: innovation, redistribution, extension, normalization, and side effects. In addition, a sixth objective was identified: negotiations concerning the creation of multilateral regimes. These cases focused on issues that surfaced on the international agenda during the 1980s. Each type had a relatively distinct profile based on such aspects of negotiation as the number of parties and issues, bargaining strategies, media exposure, stability of the process, and types of outcomes. The methodology contributes to the state-of-the art in comparative analysis and the results have implications for the development of middle-range theories of negotiation. They also contribute to practice, by enabling negotiators to evaluate future cases in terms of knowledge about past cases.

Conflict Resolution in a Network Society

This article explores the import of the network society for conflict resolution, broadly defined. Defining networks as social structures which connect people to each other, the article highlights the dual potential impacts of networks on participation in conflict resolution processes. Network society discourse creates a discourse of inclusion while also offering opportunities for exclusion. Conflict resolution theory has embraced the inclusive potential of network dynamics both implicitly and explicitly. Peacebuilders use networks, with their potential for participation and connecting conflict resolution processes, levels, and sectors, in efforts to do their peacebuilding work better. However, not all networks support conflict resolution. Networks can also reinforce conflicts, institutionalize exploitation, exacerbate inequalities, and strengthen violent conflict movements. Networks can be distinguished as inclusive or exclusive. Inclusive networks are more suitable for supporting meaningful participation in conflict resolution processes, while exclusive networks entrench conflict. Vibrant networks incorporate more inclusive and more exclusive dynamics in network vitality that allows both flexibly incorporating diversity and developing clarity of focus that inevitably delineates areas (or people or activities) outside the area of focus. Meaningful inclusion and participation in conflict resolution negotiations is broadly possible through inclusive networks, but forms of exclusion from conflict resolution negotiations are equally possible outgrowths of exclusive networks.

The roles of conflict resolution scholars in Georgian–Abkhaz and Georgian–South-Ossetian conflict and conflict resolution

The evolving close relationship between the scholarly study of conflict resolution and the practice of waging and resolving conflicts can be seen in Georgian–Abkhaz and Georgian–South-Ossetian relations from 1992 to 2008. This article focuses on two related case studies of the many roles played by international conflict resolution scholars in Georgian–Abkhaz and in Georgian–South-Ossetian relations from 1992 to 2008. Drawing on interviews with insider-partial conflict resolution scholars, relevant international scholar-practitioners of conflict resolution, and the leadership of all parties of the conflicts, conducted between 1996 and 2008, the article presents a comprehensive analysis of the variety of roles conflict resolution scholar-practitioners have played in these conflicts during the wars and the recovery from war. The analysis suggests the need for clear ethical guidelines that cover traditional scholarly roles as well as scholar-practitioner roles including advising conflict parties, facilitating conflict resolution processes and analysing the conflicts. In particular, dilemmas emerge as scholar-practitioners move back and forth between these modes of engaged scholarship.

Conflicts in the Caucasus and Their Resolution: A Framing Essay

An essay by an experienced scholar-practitioner of conflict resolution in the Caucasus examines the narratives of the interlocking conflicts involving Georgia. The author argues that more complex narratives are necessary for forging constructive paths toward conflict resolution. After outlining the stereotypical arguments presented by the different sides, the author urges a multi-track diplomacy that creates opportunities for the development of more complex narratives. Research, whether by conflict insiders or by external investigators, is presented as a potential contributor to the larger peace processes. In addition to comments on the three preceding articles in the symposium published in Eurasian Geography and Economics, the paper highlights the utility in understanding local context and complexities in order to create more inclusive and complex narratives that can support confidence-building activities and eventual progress on outstanding issues plaguing the conflict-affected populations in the region. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F510, H560, H770, O180. 11 references.

Generalizations and Practical Applications

We hope this collection of essays, and its case studies, analyses and lessons, will contribute to peace zone theory and also have a practical use for people in current and future zones of peace. The broad range of perspectives presented here lends itself more to raising questions than to drawing definitive conclusions. But these essays do offer suggestions to others who would attempt to create zones of peace. The questions raised in these essays might serve as a checklist of factors for analysts and practitioners to consider when working with a zone of peace. While no “lesson learned” in one zone will be directly transferable to another, it may nevertheless be helpful even in building quite a different zone. Reviewing the zones of peace described here reveals some characteristics all zones of peace share. As Arie Kacowicz notes, when discussing geographic zones that avoid interstate wars, no single variable accounts for the maintenance ofthat peace. All zones of peace are affected by factors reflecting th...