Mediation Efforts Research Articles

Struggling for Attraction: Sources of Turkish and Iranian Soft Power in Azerbaijan

Abstract This article uses Joseph Nye’s soft power framework to identify and compare the sources of Turkish and Iranian soft power in Azerbaijan. The study makes three core arguments. First, there exists a growing gap between championed values and actual practices both in Türkiye and Iran. The democratic credentials of Turkish and Iranian political regimes have deteriorated continuously in the last 16 years, in connection with the stricter application of Islamic rules in Iran and government-led Islamization in Türkiye which may undercut their soft power in Azerbaijan. The second argument states that aware of the significance of resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh impasse for Azerbaijanis, Türkiye and Iran have endeavored to join in mediation efforts to break the deadlock. Lastly, the third argument maintains that Türkiye and Iran, although to different extents, make use of products of high and popular culture to appeal to the Azerbaijani public.

Yemen's peace process: the need to change the international vision and framework

Abstract Since the start of the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen in March 2015, the basis for the dominant international understanding of conflict in Yemen, and for the dominant vision for a peace process, has been that Yemen is in a civil war, and that peace requires a return to a sovereign national government in Sana'a and to the political transition arrangements which were in place during 2011–14. This vision has tied mediation efforts to an increasingly inappropriate framework and ignored realities about governance in Sana'a, the internationally recognized government and the issues of contention, as well as the need for Riyadh–Sana'a talks. As a consequence, opportunities for making greater progress on peace have been missed. The ineffectiveness of the peace process has also contributed to the conditions in which hard-liners in Ansar Allah—the Houthi-led political movement in power in Sana'a and northern Yemen—have been able to strengthen their control, reducing the possibility for peaceful political change. International policy-makers and practitioners need to change the international vision and framework for Yemen's peace process. They should: - Acknowledge realities about the rival governments, recognizing that hybrid and multiple arrangements in governance can be compatible with peace; - End inappropriate insistence on UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and allow it to be formally superseded; and - Facilitate inter-Yemeni dialogue, to the extent that they can, without trying to direct a process and formulate agreements. These and other recommended shifts in approach will ease constraints on progress and widen the space for a Yemeni vision and Yemeni-led peace process to develop.

Secondary actors in the origins of the Western Sahara conflict: Arab mediation efforts

ABSTRACT In the 70s of the last century, a latent conflict was generated in Western Sahara within the Maghreb that has survived to this day and in which, since 1974, the interests of the great powers have had much to say. Some of these actors or observers have already been studied, but we still know very little about the role played by other neighbouring countries that generated dynamics of collaboration and mediation in the conflict. This work analyses the first actions undertaken by the Arab countries to try to reconcile positions and avoid an open fight. All those mediation efforts, carried out by actors with very unequal capacity for action and different motivations and internal and external interests, ended up failing. Behind them, France and the U.S., apparently neutral, promoted these meetings and talks with the aim of preventing a direct armed clash between Morocco and Algeria.

The Role of Mediators In Divorce Mediation Efforts at The Religious Court of Jambi City From an Islamic Law Perspective

The Role of Mediators In Divorce Mediation Efforts at The Religious Court of Jambi City From an Islamic Law Perspective

Settlement of Default Disputes in Credit Agreements Between BPR Bank (BUMD BIMA) and Customers Using State Attorney Prosecutors

The State Attorney is a government apparatus that acts in law enforcement in accordance with Law Number 11 of 2021 concerning Amendments to Law Number 16 of 2004. The problems raised by the author are to determine the Settlement of Default Disputes in Credit Agreements Between BPR Banks (BUMD BIMA) ) With Customers Who Use State Attorneys (Studies At the Coastal Bank of Bima City). The research method uses sociological juridical in the form of interviews conducted by the author directly. Based on the results of the study that in its duties and authorities the State Attorney's Attorney has a very important role in law enforcement, however regarding the above provisions, namely Law Number 11 of 2021 concerning the Indonesian Prosecutor's Office, if what is discussed is related to non-litigation settlement of default disputes, then these rules has not been able to accommodate comprehensively related to mediation efforts carried out by JPN, as stipulated in the Law. For this reason, additional rules are needed, namely the provisions contained in the Decree of the Attorney General of the Republic of Indonesia No: Kep.225/A/J/A/3/2003 Regarding Duties and Authority of State Attorney.

Qatari Peace Mediation and Humanitarian Aid in Sudan: Lessons From the War in Darfur 2003–2022

The State of Qatar played a substantial role in mediation efforts for the conflict in Darfur through the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Qatar's role as a mediator and a donor in Darfur, over the context of its occurrence as a key regional political and humanitarian actor at the time of the conflict. This article also contrasts Qatar's approaches to the war in Sudan with mediation efforts by the African Union and the United Nations, which reveals how Qatar was able to overcome resource constraints to incentivise opposing factions to negotiate. Finally, this article explores differing arguments on Qatari impartiality and effectiveness during the Darfur mediation process. Qatar never attempted to hide its economic incentive in Darfur, and many Sudanese factions and large sections of the Sudanese public favoured Qatar's potential investment post-war Darfur.

Participatory Retrofitting Through Extended Planners in Tanzanian Urban Areas

The global endeavour to develop inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements is paramount. Land use conflicts in urban areas persist as a critical issue among stakeholders in contemporary urban development discourse. This article examines the effectiveness of local mediation strategies in resolving land use conflicts within East African cities’ rapidly expanding metropolitan areas. It focuses explicitly on community-based leaders, referred to as “extended planners,” who foster sustainable communities through their involvement in conflict mediation. Unlike municipal authorities, whose responses can be slow, these grassroots leaders promptly engage in mediation efforts, demonstrating their critical role in urban land management. Through an ethnographic approach to data collection and analysis using the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), this study highlights the significant influence that extended planners have on conflict resolution and the improvement of community welfare. The findings indicate that residents generally report land use conflicts to the Mtaa Government Office, where mediation sessions are conducted. The grassroots leaders, acting as the primary mediators, facilitate these sessions with the conflicting parties and relevant stakeholders, utilising traditional methods and established mediation protocols. The study underscores the diverse roles of different actors in the mediation process, with grassroots (Mtaa) leaders mainly overseeing it. It concludes with a call for empowering these leaders with essential knowledge in urban planning and conflict resolution skills to increase the mediation sessions’ effectiveness.

Historical conflicts of the Caucasus: The impact of political borders on societies

The Caucasus region, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has long been a focal point of geopolitical, cultural, and ethnic complexities. This paper explores the historical conflicts in the Caucasus, with an emphasis on the impact of political borders on societies. Divided into three chapters, the study examines the region's historical and ethnic diversity, the influence of border policies during imperial and Soviet periods, and the enduring effects of conflicts on modern societies. By analyzing case studies such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Abkhazia and South Ossetia disputes, and the role of external powers like Russia, Turkey, and Iran, the paper sheds light on the historical roots of ongoing tensions. The study concludes with an evaluation of contemporary challenges and potential solutions, including international mediation efforts and regional cooperation initiatives. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between political borders and societal fragmentation in the Caucasus.

Exploring the EU’s polyhedral peace mediation in Ethiopia and Sudan: Can the EU be a suitable peacemaker?

This paper examines EU engagement in peace mediation in sub-Saharan Africa, and specifically in Ethiopia’s Tigray war and the conflict in Sudan. It uses the analytical framework of “multi-mediation” to map, classify and analyse the mediation-related initiatives carried out by the EU. The ultimate goal is to defend the use of peace mediation as a cost-efficient and less coercive foreign policy tool, well-suited to safeguarding the EU’s peace and security interests in the African continent. The conclusion presents three main points: a) the EU is well-equipped to engage in mediation and be considered a “multi-mediator”; b) the EU has structural limitations which prevent it from fully mobilising these capacities and from leading mediation efforts; c) the EU is uniquely well-placed to leverage its resources and support mediation through a nuanced normative approach that can positively impact peace processes.

Influence of Regional Security Organizations on Peacebuilding Efforts in Liberia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of regional security organizations on peacebuilding efforts in Liberia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Regional security organizations, particularly ECOWAS, played a critical role in stabilizing Liberia and laying groundwork for sustained peace. Their military interventions helped quell violence, and their political mediation efforts paved the way for peace agreements and transitional governance frameworks. By coordinating disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, these organizations fostered post-conflict recovery, while ongoing diplomatic and monitoring activities ensured accountability and supported institution-building. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Neorealism, Liberal Institutionalism & Constructivism theory may be used to anchor future studies on influence of regional security organizations on peacebuilding efforts in Liberia. RSOs should prioritize enhancing their resource base, institutional capacities, and logistical frameworks to improve their effectiveness in peacebuilding. RSOs should advocate for policy frameworks that facilitate the inclusion of marginalized groups in peacebuilding processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

The Colombian Catholic Church’s Quest for Legitimacy in the Colombian Armed Conflict

Abstract Since the 1960s, Colombia has been the theatre of multiple armed conflicts that, one way or another, have involved all sectors of society. Colombian religious actors, including the Catholic Church, in particular, have historically played an ambivalent role in the conflict. While some Catholic clerics have ideologically supported, aided and abetted, or even joined state and non-state armed actors especially during the first decades of the conflict, since the 1980s the Colombian Catholic Church has progressively been assuming a posture in favour of peace either through action or discourse. Most recently, these praxes have culminated in the participation of the Catholic Church in most of the high-level negotiations between the Colombian state and non-state armed groups (NSAGs). The scholarship exploring the Church’s influential role in these peacebuilding and mediation efforts in Colombia has begun to burgeon only in the past twenty-five years. However, this literature has left largely unaddressed questions around the influence that the Catholic Church has had on the parties to the conflict. Such questions may help explain how the Church, as an institution, was able to garner the legitimacy necessary to become a key mediator between the state and NSAGs. Building on the data gathered and the framework elaborated as part of the Generating Respect Project (GRP), this article explores how the Church’s legitimacy was constructed from the bottom, by both leveraging affinities with armed groups’ ideologies and the impact of local initiatives aimed at protecting the civilian population in the midst of the armed conflict.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Why Mediation Failed?

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project is a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economic development and energy security ambitions, and Africa’s largest hydroelectric project. It aims to generate significant domestic and export electricity, playing a vital role in Ethiopia’s growth strategy. However, this initiative has escalated tensions with downstream nations, particularly Egypt and Sudan, which are concerned about the dam’s potential impacts on their water supplies and agri- cultural systems. The conflict is rooted in deep seated issues related to water rights and the equitable distribution of the Nile’s resources, with Egypt perceiving the GERD as a threat to its historical entitlements established by colonial-era agreements. Efforts to mediate the GERD dispute have involved various regional and international actors, including the African Union, the United States, and the European Union, but have often resulted in limited progress and inconclusive outcomes. Factors contributing to the challenges in mediation include a lack of trust among the involved parties, differing national priorities, and the absence of a comprehensive framework to address the complex interdependencies within the Nile Basin. This paper seeks to analyze the dispute management process surrounding the GERD, exploring the historical context, national interests, and negotiation challenges. By doing so, it aims to provide insights into the dynamics of the conflict and propose recommendations for future mediation efforts that prioritize inclusive dialogue, trust-building, and sustainable water management practices among all stakeholders. Keywords: Mediation, negotiation, Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan, African Union, United States, conflict management, dispute resolution.

Myanmar: China’s Decisive Intervention, India Marginalised

Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict has emerged as a key arena for geopolitical competition, particularly between India and China. China has significantly enhanced its influence in the country through assertive and strategic interventions, notably in the context of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). By mediating ceasefire agreements and engaging actively with Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups, China has consolidated its position as the primary external player in the conflict, ensuring the stability of critical infrastructure routes and safeguarding its investments. In contrast, India’s approach has been more reactive, primarily relying on ASEAN-led mediation efforts that have yielded limited results. India’s failure to capitalize on historical ties with Myanmar’s ethnic groups and its cautious diplomatic stance have sidelined it in the region, undermining its aspirations under the ‘Act East’ policy. As China continues to assert its influence, India risks further marginalization, with implications for its connectivity projects and broader strategic goals in Southeast Asia. This paper explores the contrasting approaches of India and China in Myanmar, analyzing the implications for India’s regional ambitions and suggesting that a more proactive strategy is essential for India to secure its geopolitical and economic interests in the face of China's expanding dominance.

Responses of Gulf States to the Palestine-Israel Conflict in the Post 7th October 2023

The events of 7th October 2023 marked a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics, prompting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to reassess their foreign policy approaches to the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict. This study explores shifts in GCC foreign policies post-escalation through the lens of Realist theory, focusing on national interests, security concerns, and state survival amid regional instability. Employing qualitative methods, including historical analysis and data triangulation, the research analyses policy statements, reports, and scholarly sources to uncover the motivations behind individual state actions. The findings reveal significant disparities in GCC responses. Saudi Arabia suspended normalisation talks with Israel to align with pro-Palestinian sentiment, while Qatar intensified mediation efforts and expanded humanitarian support. The UAE and Bahrain, balancing diplomatic ties with Israel and public concerns, adopted more cautious stances. Oman maintained neutrality, while Kuwait upheld a strongly pro-Palestinian position. The lack of unified GCC action highlights the bloc's fragmented nature, driven by diverging national priorities and geopolitical alliances. This study sheds light on the complexities of GCC diplomacy and its limitations in formulating a cohesive response to the conflict. By examining these dynamics, the research provides insights into regional geopolitics and proposes strategies to foster unity within the GCC, enhancing its role in addressing the Palestine-Israel conflict and broader regional challenges.

Semiotic mediation for the sustainable digital empowerment of older adults

As digital technologies proliferate, older adults are still facing significant challenges in achieving sustainable digital empowerment. This qualitative study examines the metaphorical registers spontaneously mobilized by seniors when discussing digital tools. It also highlights subjective semiotic framings which hinder their digital acculturation. Through ethnographic observations of digital literacy training, we identify diverse metaphorical projections conveying apprehensions (technologies as “nests of problems”, “magical” realms) but also motivating drivers towards meaningful digital appropriation. The findings underscore the importance of symbolic mediation strategies, in order to deconstruct inhibiting traditional theories and foster technology uses rooted in the life contexts of seniors. By elucidating the complex interplay of cognitive, emotional and cultural tensions shaping digital relationships, our research project argues for designing digital training less as technical instruction than as holistic empowerment journeys integrating identity-related dimensions. Ultimately, research on these semiotic foundations contributes to broader societal efforts that ensure equal voices for diverse knowledge approaches in an increasingly AI-dominated world. Only through such inclusive mediation efforts can we truly accompany digital “immigrants” toward affirmative technological citizenship.

Examination of Applications to the Department of Rights of Patients from the Perspective of Medical Law

Objective: The concept of Patient Rights is a core aspect of health law. In modern medicine, while the doctor-patient relationship was historically physician-centric, the development of patient rights has shifted the focus towards a patient-centered approach. In Turkey, the Patient Rights Regulation (PRR) was enacted in 1998. Subsequent revisions were made in 2014 to align with international treaties. With the PRR, patient rights units were established in hospitals, designed to serve as centers for processing complaints, suggestions, and requests from patients and their relatives. Our study aims to evaluate the submissions made to these patient rights units. Method: The study was conducted as a single-center retrospective analysis. Applications submitted to the Patient Rights Unit were reviewed. Personal data were anonymized prior to use. Descriptive statistics were calculated in numbers and percentages (%). Categorical data were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-square test for both groups. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was established. Findings: Individuals from various educational backgrounds predominantly lodged complaints against physicians. University graduates were the most frequent complainants against physicians (44.7%), nurses (52.5%), hospital administrators (45.4%), and other hospital staff (43.3%). Patients and their immediate relatives mainly lodged complaints against physicians (p=0.001). Conclusion: As individuals' educational levels increase, they are more likely to legally assert their rights. Services in outpatient clinics and emergency departments are frequently cited as sources of complaints. To resolve conflicts, patient rights units need to engage more effectively in mediation efforts.

Changes in Chinas Mediation Strategies in International Conflict Resolution Since 2013

This paper analyzes the evolution of Chinas international mediation strategy since 2013, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The primary goal is to understand how Chinas mediation efforts have shifted toward greater proactivity, focusing on stability in strategically important regions such as South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The paper is significant as it explores Chinas growing role as a global mediator, driven by both economic interests and geopolitical ambitions. Through case studies of conflicts in Sudan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar-Bangladesh, the analysis reveals Chinas focus on high-level, government-centric mediation and its tendency to align with strategic interests. It identifies key flaws, such as over-reliance on elites and lack of impartiality, which limit the effectiveness and sustainability of Chinas efforts. Suggestions for improvement include adopting more inclusive mediation practices, and ensuring greater transparency and neutrality. These recommendations aim to enhance the credibility and impact of Chinas mediation strategy, aligning it with international peacebuilding standards.

Engaging critical cultural awareness through video mediation during online intercultural encounters

ABSTRACT Online international collaboration projects provide students with valuable opportunities to apply their critical cultural awareness (CCA), which involves evaluating the values of one’s culture and other cultures using a systematic approach. In such projects, mediation tasks can play a crucial role by facilitating participants’ access to the meaning of a text that would otherwise be inaccessible due to linguistic, semantic, or cultural barriers. However, the potential of using videos for mediation in online collaboration projects to engage CCA remains underexplored. This exploratory study addresses this gap by investigating the mediation efforts of Colombian and German university students who utilised English as a lingua franca during online intercultural encounters. The results showed that using videos for mediation stimulated critical evaluation and reflection on students’ and their partners’ cultures. Interacting and mediating in a virtual environment encouraged students to explain stereotypes and share their thoughts on different cultural aspects, including social injustice issues, thereby fostering a deeper engagement with culture-related concepts. Findings demonstrated that the choice of videos influenced the depth of evaluation and analysis. Consequently, employing certain types of videos as a foundation for mediation activities proved a powerful tool for engaging students in CCA during international encounters.

HUMANITARIAN LAW PERSPECTIVE: PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND WOMEN IN ARMED CONFLICT

<span lang="id">Several countries in the world are involved in armed conflicts, both internally and with other countries such as Russia and Ukraine, the impact is civilian casualties on both sides, especially women and children, and allegedly violating the provisions stipulated in international humanitarian law. As a result of the armed conflict, hundreds of thousands of civilians fled Ukraine, mostly women and children. Disproportionate attacks in the form of targeting civilians, excessive use of force, and restrictions on humanity are violations that are contrary to the principles of humanitarian law. The protection of women and children as a result of armed conflict must be implemented, because it is not only physical, but also psychological, economic, social, cultural, health, and so on. The negative impacts of armed conflict have resulted in the delayed achievement of sustainable development targets in Ukraine, Russia, and other affected countries. Conflict resolution requires a humanitarian approach involving the commitment of all parties to carry out their obligations as members of the UN by respecting the provisions of international humanitarian law that apply according to the principle of pacta sunt servanda, making mediation efforts through humanitarian diplomacy, the UN must impose sanctions on both countries if they violate international humanitarian law.</span>

COMPARATION OF MEDIATION IN THE COURT AND OUTSIDE THE COURT IN RESOLVING STATE ADMINISTRATIVE CASES

Disputes in legal relations that arise in the community are a natural thing as a result of a consequence of the legal relationship. In practice, the process of resolving disputes can be carried out within the court and outside the court, the determination of which is chosen by the disputing party. In the process before a dispute resolution is carried out, mediation efforts are made first. which aims to take steps that are mutually beneficial to both parties to the dispute. Regarding the mediation effort, it raises the question whether the process ns equally between mediation carried out in court and mediation efforts carried out outsde the court Dispute resolution as mediation has been known since the first in Indonesia because of the customs system in resolving a case always uphold discussion and consensus through traditional forums of each region in Indonesia. As it grows by time, this is enforced in the court (Court Connected Mediation) as form of justice law