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VOL. 5, ISSUE 1 (2023)
The use of conference diplomacy in conflict prevention: A call for paradigm shift in the 21st century
Authors
Elemanya A Vincent, Owiriwa Darlington Kinikanwo
Abstract
The article purports, first, to review briefly the evolution of
conference diplomacy from the age of the Congress of Vienna until the era of
the United Nations. Building upon this historical evidence, it attempts then to
analyze the conceptual underpinnings of research on conference of diplomacy in
general as represented by United Nations (UN)-sponsored world conferences in
particular. The bulk of the article is devoted to an analysis of the ‘typical’
unfolding of conference processes, moving through the four stages of
initiation, preparation, negotiation for decision for decision-making, and
implementation. Here, the article seeks to demonstrate the analytical
usefulness, if not necessity, of distinguishing between two major conferences:
action orientated and rule making conferences using relevant examples.
Conference diplomacy is not just one of the most powerful multilateral
instruments to peacefully address questions related to post-conflict balance of
power. It is today also the major tool in addressing global problems,
identifying innovative solutions, and engaging in groundbreaking strategies for
the sake of millions of people. The Post-2015 United Nations Development Agenda
is a case in point. It is therefore an interesting exercise to have to take a fresh
look at recent conference diplomacy in the light of the bicentenary of the
1815-2015 Congress of Vienna. The article on the second limb briefly looked at
the different meanings of diplomacy, its nature, objectives, means of
diplomacy, devices of diplomacy, a comparison and character between old and new
diplomacy and types of diplomacy with a view to reinvigorate and reinvent
conference diplomacy being an example of the new diplomacy. The article finally
considered the need for paradigm shift from old diplomacy to the new diplomacy
particularly ‘Conference Diplomacy’ to take cognizance of the 21st century and
its contemporary developments in other to remain a veritable tool for the
prevention of conflicts/crises within the international system or space.
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Pages:46-52
How to cite this article:
Elemanya A Vincent, Owiriwa Darlington Kinikanwo "The use of conference diplomacy in conflict prevention: A call for paradigm shift in the 21st century". International Journal of Social Research and Development, Vol 5, Issue 1, 2023, Pages 46-52
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