Solving Conflicts

Potential AlternativesAri Rusila

Multi-Track Diplomacy 1/3

The Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy (IMTD) is a U.S. based nonprofit organization founded in 1992 working now globally + 20 conflicts. IMTD uses a holistic and participatory approach to assess the key variables in deep-rooted conflicts and post-conflict settings. The Institute is focused on identifying and understanding the causes of conflict within a nation. Their method – sc. Multi-Track Diplomacy - is a conceptual way to view the process of international peacemaking as a living system. It looks at the web of interconnected activities, individuals, institutions, and communities that operate together for a common goal: a world at peace.

Multi-Track Diplomacy 2/3

Multi-Track Diplomacy is an expansion of the “Track One, Track Two” paradigm that has defined the conflict resolution field during the last decade. Track One Diplomacy is official government diplomacy whereby communication and interaction is between governments. Track Two Diplomacy is the unofficial interaction and intervention of non-state actors.

Check the same IMTD Tracks in Figure.

Multi-Track Diplomacy 3/3

IMTD’s utilizes its “systems-based approach” by recognizing that the transformation of deep-rooted conflicts cannot be left solely to governmental entities, but must be expanded to include non-governmental actors, civil society and other informal channels. By expanding the approach to peacemaking and peace-building outside of Track One, IMTD works to ensure a holistic, comprehensive approach to conflict transformation with a greater likelihood of long-term, sustainable peace.

More about Multi-Track Diplomacy in IMTD site.

Justpeace: Holistic Integrated Model of Peacebuilding 1/2

Since 2003 Pacific Peacebuilding Initiatives Ltd (operating as Peacebuilders International ) has been working throughout the Asia/Pacific Region with the goal of establishing justpeace, a sustainable peace that allow communities to develop. Even the main stakeholders are from different churches they have applied quite holistic approach for building sustainable peace.

Peacebuilding is a active expression of a commitment to non-violence. This is not a passive commitment, but an active transformation for governments, communities and people from a commitment to violence into a commitment to reconciliation and peace.

Justpeace: Holistic Integrated Model of Peacebuilding 2/2

Peacebuilder's goal is building justpeace: peace that is sustainable and lasting. The main components are e.g:

holistic, integrated approach

training national leaders to make a difference in their context

addresses the past while creating new futures

encourages networking within and across nations

recognises identity and power as key ingredients in conflicts.

TRANSCEND – maybe the best Approach 1/3

Johan Galtung (b.1930) is a Norwegian mathematician and sociologist and a principal founder of the discipline of peace and conflict studies. In 1993, he founded TRANSCEND, a network for Peace and Development, which is now running Transcend Peace University with a number of courses online, Transcend University Press, Transcend Media Service and Transcend Research Institute. Galtung himself has employed the “TRANSCEND” Method while serving as a negotiator in a number of international conflicts. He views his role as that of helping the parties clarify their objectives, and working to come up with solutions that meet the objectives of all parties. He presents them with concrete proposals that are intended to give both sides the sense that they are winners.

TRANSCEND – maybe the best Approach 3/3

TRANSCEND includesfour pillars to bring about a more peaceful world by using (i) action, (ii) education/training, (iii) dissemination and (iv) research to handle conflicts with empathy, nonviolence and creativity. During last years most of the work has been on conflict mediation and violence conciliation, using Diagnosis-Prognosis-Therapy, on often very difficult and complex conflicts.

In my opinion “Transcend” approach hits the core question in peace-building process as

1st it is based to wide participation and even commitment of local stakeholders through dialogue,

2nd it goes to the roots of conflicts and

3rd it is future-oriented.