Negotiating Identity Conflicts in a Fragmenting World Order

(Hardback)

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At every level of human interaction new levels of identity-based tension are in evidence. Contributors to this book explore facets of fragmentation processes within systems of state and interstate organisation, how they influence the use of negotiation, and how negotiation might be used to effect renewed coherence. Following Anstey's (Ch1) introductory chapter framing the nature and shape of fragmentation dynamics, Zartman (Ch 2) argues that the use of negotiation as a process of conflict resolution is deeply shaped by identity groups whose internal coherence is dependent on sustaining a negative identity of others. International relations are no longer solely the realm of experienced diplomats but are shaped as Meerts (Ch3) points out by politicians seeking to be responsive to voting publics rather than wider concerns. Anstey digs into problems of fragmentation (Ch. 4) and Troitskiy (Ch 5) points out how a reluctant acceptance of the power of 'the other' can lead to a form of strategic stability in relations. Anstey and Meerts (Ch 6) point out in their analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian case as an identity conflict turned very bad. Guggenbuhl (Ch 7 ) reveals how structures and processes have been designed within the EU to prevent, contain and regulate conflicts to limit risks of confrontation and fragmentation. Schuessler (Ch 8) to advocates a shift away from a template or roadmap approach to EU membership to a cohesion based on non-dominance. There is still a strong desire on the part of some states, like Northern Macedonia, to become EU members, as reflected in Manton's (Ch 9). Paula Garzon and Frans Schram explain the success of the Colombia Peace Negotiations (Ch 10), while Odigie and da Rocha (Ch 11) analyse the struggle faced by ECOWAS to influence coup leaders in Mali to return to constitutional government and changes of government by constitutional means. Liang (Ch12) discusses how the internet as the modern vehicle of inter-state, inter-group and interpersonal communication has become weaponised. In Ch 13 Anstey draws some lessons from contributions to the compilation.

Author Bio

Paul W. Meerts, Processes of International Negotiation (PIN) Programme