The role of mediation in international conflict resolution in the 21st century : the case study of Darfur

Abstract

The high frequency of conflicts at an international level in the past century has led to a rise in different forms of pacific mechanisms for the settlement of hostilities. The end of the Cold War, and the emergence of ever-growing numbers of intra-state tensions, have also enhanced the importance for such devices capable of bringing about peace. This dissertation will look more closely at mediation, which has been an important tool of conflict resolution in the past decades. The main theory behind the research is that of analysing the effectiveness of a regional organization as a conflict mediator. The main case study is that of Darfur; the dissertation looks at the role of the African Union as a mediator in the conflict, and analyses its successes and failures. The implication is that a regional organization is better equipped to deal with conflicts such as that of Darfur, since it is more adept at recognising the root causes of the conflict and can better cater for its successful resolution. Whilst mediation in the 20th century was largely conducted either by international organizations, namely the United Nations, or by nation-states or individuals, this dissertation will seek to analyse whether or not the claim for effective mediation by regional organizations is valid, and whether the African Union has any plausible chance of ending the hostilities and bringing some form of peace to Darfur and its citizens, as well as to its neighbouring states.