The Middle East Peace Process a New Case of Conference Diplomacy

The Middle East peace process started in Madrid at the end of October 1991. It offers an interesting, and in part innovative, method of combining multilateral (conference) diplomacy and bilateral negotiations. This article first analyzes some of the typical elements of conference diplomacy, for example, the role of various actors, factors influencing conference diplomacy such as the media, culture, the confidence factor. It then summarizes several facilitating devices, such as fact‐finding, position‐papers, the package deal, the single negotiating text, logistical mediation and the use of “back channels.” After summarizing past efforts toward mediation in the Middle East conflict, the article examines how each of the factors and facilitating devices related to conference diplomacy is being applied in the current Madrid peace process. Some innovative features, such as letters of assurances sent by the United States to various participants, are reviewed. Finally, the role of several states or entities, such as the United Nations and the European Community, and the prospects for new institutional arrangements are considered

Diplomacy · Mediation · Middle East · Negotiation · Political science · Process (computing · Public relations · Sociology · Computer Science · Conflict Management and Negotiation · Law