Development trajectories of mediation support structures in the AU, Ecowas, Igad and Sadc

Bibliographic Data

ID5725160
AuthorsMichael Aeby (0000-0003-4182-3196, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, corresponding author), Jamie Pring (0000-0003-0991-6245, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland)
Year2023
Volume30
Issue1
Pages97-120
Publication date2023-01-02
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSouth African Journal of International Affairs (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1022-0461 • E-ISSN: 1938-0275
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10220461.2023.2203689
OpenAlexW4367055421
LanguageEN
Citations received4

The intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) that form the African Peace and Security Architecture introduced mediation support structures (MSS) to improve their ability to mediate in conflicts. But the effectiveness of MSS has been mixed. This study examines whether and why the MSS of four IGOs – the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, Intergovernmental Authority for Development and Southern African Development Community – developed the ability to fulfil the four core functions of MSS: (1) supporting mediators, (2) providing training, (3) managing knowledge, and (4) networking. It compares the operationalisation and utilisation of MSS and explores market dynamics in their development. The study found that MSS capabilities, utilisation and sustainability depended on whether their development was driven mainly by the demand for professional support by mediators, technical staff and political decision-makers, or by the supply of services offered by entrepreneurial non-government organisations and by readily available funding from international development partners

Business · Economic growth · Economics · Mediation · Political science · Politics · Sustainability · Global Peace and Security Dynamics · International Development and Aid · Peacebuilding and International Security · Public Administration

Tools

Open DOI