TRACK-TWO DIPLOMACY AS A RESOLUTION APPROACH TO INTERNATIONAL AND INTER-SOCIETAL CONFLICTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT This work provides a descriptive discussion for one of the new conflict resolution approaches, track-two diplomacy. The study discusses both strengths and weaknesses of the approach in detail, concluding that as a part of broader conflict resolution efforts, track-two diplomacy may be very useful, despite its practical shortcomings, to overcome psychological barriers between the parties, to make them understand their issue mutually, to produce new insights for resolution, and to create a psychological maturity for a negotiated agreement. Thus, it is stressed that track-two diplomacy should be utilized to complement formal negotiation process in resolving international and inter-societal conflicts.