Quiet Diplomacy and Backchannel Negotiations by Small States: A Comparative Study in Global Conflict Mediation

Abstract

 This paper explains the growing importance of the role of small states in international and internal conflicts as a mediator. The crux of the argument in this study is that even a state with minimal material power may be a good mediator, contrary to traditional views of the great power diplomacy. It is based on a comparative case study of Norway, Switzerland and Qatar, the conditions of small state mediation capacity are defined in this paper such as perceived neutrality, diplomatic flexibility and strategic niche diplomacy. Small states might succeed in facilitation and trust-building particularly in cases where major powers are not engaged, one-sided or unable to make any progress. However, their success is not a certainty but rather needs to be supported by good conflict structures and circumstances that are deemed ripe in addition to indirect assistance by great powers during the implementation stage. The major question that will be addressed in the paper is in which situations, and by which means, will the small states be successful at mediation of global conflicts? It also attempts to analyze the following sub-questions: What are the benefits of small states to great powers as mediators and what are their constraints and dangers? What is their mediation capacity and how do they attain and maintain it? It is that small states cannot be a panacea of conflicts on the global scale; its role in making peace is pragmatic and more significant to secure an effective channel of communication.