1. IR4502 International Peace: Regional Conflicts Dr Andrea Oelsner F68 EWB a.oelsner@abdn.ac.uk

2. Conflicts and Regions Regional security complexes (Buzan) or Regional conflict complexes (Wallensteen)

3. Regional sec./conflict complexes Yet, what causes regional security/conflict complexes? Spill-over Contagion Structural similarities (bad neighbourhoods)

4. Regional conflict resolution Gradual approach: Conflict-by-conflict Starting with easier conflicts will create regional momentum Positive experience will positively affect other regional conflicts Bold approach: Most difficult conflict first Resolving most central conflict of the complex first will facilitate resolution of the surrounding conflicts More holistic approach; relies on regional consensus and concerted efforts

5. Regional organisations and conflict resolution Role of regional organisations Function as dialogue forums Function as frameworks for conflict resolution Best if work on prevention rather than management Limits: power considerations, urgency of conflict management over prevention, limited resources

6. Reading for next class: Regional Conflicts Wallensteen, P., Understanding Conflict Resolution, chapter 8. Adebajo, A., Pax West Africana? Regional Security Mechanisms, in Adekeye Adebajo and Ismail Rashid (eds.) West Africas Security Challenges: Building Peace in a Trouble Region (London: Lynne Rienner, 2004). 966.033 Ade Buhaug, H. and K. S. Gleditsch, The Origin of Conflict Clusters: Contagion or Bad Neighborhoods?, paper presented at the 3rd European Consortium for Political Research General Conference, Budapest 8-10 September 2005. http://www.essex.ac.uk/ecpr/events/generalconference/budapest/papers/9/1/buhaug.pdf Eralp, D. U. and N. Beriker, Assessing the conflict resolution potential of the EU: the Cyprus conflict and accession negotiations Security Dialogue (36:2, 2005) pp. 175-192. Available online. Güney, A., The USAs Role in Mediating the Cyprus Conflict: A Story of Success of Failure?, Security Dialogue (35:1, 2004), pp. 27-42. Available online. Yost, D., NATOs Contribution to Conflict Management, in C. Crocker, F. O. Hampson and P. Aall (eds.), Turbulent Peace: The Challenges of Managing International Conflict (Washington DC: United States Institute of Peace, 2001), pp. 585-602. 327.17 Cro Zellner, W., The OSCE: Uniquely Qualified for a Conflict-Prevention Role, in P. van Tongeren, H. van de Veen, and J. Verhoeven (eds.) Searching for Peace in Europe and Eurasia: An Overview of Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Activities, (Boulder, CO, and London: Lynne Rienner, 2002), pp. 15-25. 327.17 Ton