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This HD Centre publication – including a chapter by Jonathan Cohen, our Director of Programmes – consists of a series of reflection pieces from experienced mediators and policymakers on what they see as the most pressing peacemaking challenges facing the world in 2013. It aims to serve as a resource for practitioners, stimulating debate on key issues and dilemmas surrounding mediation, challenging a number of prevailing views, and presenting new perspectives on international mediation.

In their reflections, the authors make specific proposals on who should have access to peace negotiations, how peace talks could be connected to wider processes of change, and what type of hybrid arrangements might help peacemakers resolve longstanding conflicts. The authors also discuss the advantages of keeping channels of communication open to a wide spectrum of actors in any given conflict.

  • Foreword – Espen Barth Eide
  • Introduction – David Harland 
  • A Call for a European Institute of Peace – Carl Bildt
  • Enhancing the Social Capital for Conflict Resolution – Jonathan Cohen 
  • Home-grown Peace in Mindanao and the Role of Third-Party Mediation – Teresita Quintos Deles and Marj Ibanez
  • The Transitional Bridge: A Challenge and Opportunity for Mediators – Nicholas Haysom and Sean Kane
  • Early Warning and Mediation: Key Components of the ECOWAS Vision 2020 – Florence Iheme
  • The Five Kinds of Access: Five Conditions for Successful Mediation – Carne Ross
  • Beyond Mediation: Toward a Political Settlement in Afghanistan – Barnett R. Rubin

The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. Countries, NGOs, international organisations and individuals alike are investing  more in this work than ever before. […] even though the trend is towards less armed conflict globally, and mediation efforts are increasingly sophisticated, we must not become complacent. Given the magnitude of the task, we must constantly strive to refine our methods and knowledge. I believe this publication is an important contribution to our work to promote peace.

Extract from Foreword: Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway