Self-determination conflicts often share a number of specific drivers and dynamics, which are commonly unrecognised, ignored or misunderstood by state parties to conflicts and the mediators hoping to address them. Raising fundamental questions about sovereignty, identity and governance, such conflicts can seem intractable and entrenched in polarised positions, but experience shows they can and should be addressed.
Self-determination
In partnership with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, we engage with mediators, peace practitioners, communities with existing or potential self-determination claims and governments to gather insights into the distinct challenges that self-determination conflicts pose and the options for those seeking to address them. Specifically, we are exploring how transformative approaches to peace mediation can be applied in self-determination conflicts, including by working directly with conflict parties to find creative ways to overcome sticking points in peace processes, share knowledge and centre affected populations in their own conflict resolution processes to help shift or resolve the underlying conflict dynamics.
Our work in action
We seek to build understanding about the distinct challenges and entry points to support mediators and practitioners working to resolve them.
Deeper learning
Explore our Learning Hub for insights, research and guidance on mediating self-determination conflicts.
