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Article
Publication date: 18 May 2023

Sara Hellmüller and Bilal Salaymeh

This paper aims to study recent approaches to peacemaking, particularly by Turkey and Russia, in a changing world and their implications for UN-led peace processes. The authors…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study recent approaches to peacemaking, particularly by Turkey and Russia, in a changing world and their implications for UN-led peace processes. The authors analyze the factors that allow parallel processes to UN mediation to emerge and discuss their influence.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents two in-depth case studies of mediation in Syria and Libya, where the UN, as well as Russia and Turkey, were actively involved in peacemaking.

Findings

The authors find that parallel processes to UN mediation emerge if the UN process does not show progress toward a negotiated settlement and other third parties have leverage over the conflict parties. However, whether these parallel processes pose a fundamental challenge to the UN-led process depends on how sustained the third parties’ leverage over the conflict parties is. If it lasts, it puts the UN in a difficult position to either participate in the parallel process and contain it but thereby also legitimizing it, or to abstain from participating but thereby risking to lose control over the mediation process.

Research limitations/implications

Analyzing different approaches to mediation helps to better understand current dynamics of multiparty mediation, including an increased questioning of the effectiveness of UN mediation, and provides insights on how the UN may adapt to keep its relevance in a changing world.

Originality/value

The paper is based on original first-hand data gathered between 2018 and 2022 through more than 50 interviews with UN officials, negotiation team members, political and civil society actors from Syria and Libya, (former) state officials and experts from Russia and Turkey, as well as external observers.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Children and the Climate Migration Crisis: A Casebook for Global Climate Action in Practice and Policy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-910-9

Expert briefing
Publication date: 9 February 2024

The autonomous administration there is under increased pressure, exacerbated by the Gaza conflict, which has resulted in escalating confrontation between pro-Iranian Iraqi…

Executive summary
Publication date: 11 March 2024

SYRIA: Divisions will impose long-term economic costs

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES285770

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Expert briefing
Publication date: 20 March 2024

The economy is not showing serious ill effects from the overspill of the conflict in Gaza or recent aid cuts. The government may even have derived some additional financial…

Executive summary
Publication date: 1 February 2024

SYRIA/GULF STATES: Outreach will be variable

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES284964

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Executive summary
Publication date: 20 March 2024

LEBANON: Christian exclusion fears will hike tensions

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES285972

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Mona Harb, Sophie Bloemeke, Sami Atallah and Sami Zoughaib

Using critical disaster studies and state theory, we assess the disaster aid platform named Lebanon Reconstruction, Reform and Recovery Framework (3RF) that was put in place by…

Abstract

Purpose

Using critical disaster studies and state theory, we assess the disaster aid platform named Lebanon Reconstruction, Reform and Recovery Framework (3RF) that was put in place by international donors in the aftermath of the Beirut Port Blast in August 2020, in order to examine the effectiveness of its inclusive decision-making architecture, as well as its institutional building and legislative reform efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the case study approaach and relies on two original data sets compiled by authors, using desk reviews of academic literature and secondary data, in addition to 24 semi-structured expert interviews and participant observation for two years.

Findings

The aid platform appears innovative, participatory and effectively functioning toward recovery and reform. However, in practice, the government dismisses CSOs, undermines reforms and dodges state building, whereas the 3RF is structured in incoherent ways and operates according to conflicting logics, generating inertia and pitfalls that hinder effective participatory governance, prevent institutional building, and delay the making of projects.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes to critical scholarship as it addresses an important research gap concerning disaster aid platforms’ institutional design and governance that are under-studied in critical disaster studies and political studies. It also highlights the need for critical disaster studies to engage with state theory and vice-versa.

Practical implications

The research contributes to evaluations of disaster recovery processes and outcomes. It highlights the limits of disaster aid platforms’ claims for participatory decision-making, institutional-building and reforms.

Originality/value

The paper amplifies critical disaster studies, through the reflexive analysis of a case-study of an aid platform.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 12 January 2024

This followed a cyberattack at the airport that promulgated a warning against Shia political-military movement Hezbollah and its escalation against Israel. The Forces of Change…

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB284528

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
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