As the analysis of the most recent conflict in Lebanon has shown, there have been successful efforts to solve two of the three major conflict issues by means of a mediation approach. However, several spoiling factors complicate a peaceful solution, and in particular the long-term aim of creating a durable and ultimate peace in the troubled country. However, additional approaches within the peacemaking as well as peacebuilding frameworks help to stabilize the country and can set examples for a stable and promising future. The upcoming elections in June 2009 will show, if Lebanon will carry on its way towards a sustainable and peaceful future in national unity.
Table of Contents
1. Lebanon – a state trapped in conflict
2. Mapping the Lebanese conflict
3. Mediation as conflict management approach
4. Constraints
4.1 Militias
4.2 Ethnicity
4.3 Spillover
5. Conflict Management Strategies
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this assignment is to apply conflict management theories and concepts to the specific political crisis in Lebanon, particularly the events of May 2008. The paper analyzes the origins and dynamics of the conflict, evaluates the mediation efforts undertaken to prevent civil war, identifies key constraints—such as the role of militias, sectarianism, and regional spillover—and discusses further strategic interventions for long-term peacebuilding.
- Conflict mapping of the Lebanese political deadlock and the May 2008 crisis.
- Evaluation of mediation as a primary conflict management tool.
- Analysis of structural and societal constraints (sectarianism and militias).
- Exploration of peacebuilding strategies including confidence building and capacity building.
Excerpt from the Book
Mediation as conflict management approach
The urgency of the escalating situation demanded immediate action. In this specific case, a conflict management approach was applied in a relatively early stage in order to turn away the danger of another civil war with all its negative consequences that might affect the whole region. A solution to end the political logjam had to be found, juggling all the conflicting interests of the different parties in a preferably balanced manner.
Within the context of peacemaking mediation was the means of choice, because parties were caught in a “hurting stalemate” (Pruitt and Carnevale 1993, p. 178), which in turn raised the disputants’ receptivity. Otherwise, no real progress was to be achieved without risking considerable costs in terms of human lives and a possible destabilization of the region. Generally, mediation is applied when a conflict is highly complex and intense, when the parties are fractioned and their will to find peaceful solutions isn’t serious (see Bercovitch and Jackson 2001, p. 59). Or to conclude in Terris’ and Maoz’ words – the more versatile the conflict, the rather mediation is going to occur (2005, p. 577). It is considered “a special case of (bilateral) negotiation in which a third-party facilitator is brought to enable the parties to do what they could not do when left alone” (Zartman 2002, p. 78).
Summary of Chapters
Lebanon – a state trapped in conflict: Provides an overview of the regional geopolitical context and introduces the specific focus on the political crisis in Lebanon leading up to the events of May 2008.
Mapping the Lebanese conflict: Details the structural causes and the 18-month political deadlock that precipitated the near-civil war scenario.
Mediation as conflict management approach: Analyzes the intervention by the Arab League and the subsequent Qatari mediation efforts as a means to resolve the political impasse.
Constraints: Discusses the significant obstacles to peace, specifically the military power of Hezbollah, the influence of sectarian identities, and regional spillover risks.
Conflict Management Strategies: Outlines potential future strategies for peacemaking and peacebuilding, such as interreligious dialogue, collaborative problem solving, and capacity building.
Conclusion: Summarizes the effectiveness of the recent mediation efforts and reflects on the prospects for Lebanon's future stability.
Keywords
Lebanon, Conflict Management, Mediation, Hezbollah, Peacemaking, Peacebuilding, Sectarianism, Political Deadlock, Capacity Building, Confidence Building, Civil War, Spoiling Factors, Arab League, Political Stability, Conflict Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the 2008 political crisis in Lebanon, applying conflict management theories to analyze how the country avoided further civil war and identifying challenges to sustainable peace.
What are the central themes discussed?
The key themes include conflict mapping, the role of mediation, the impact of sectarian identity, the challenges posed by powerful non-state actors, and strategies for long-term peacebuilding.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to integrate academic conflict management literature with real-world case analysis, specifically looking at how mediation and other strategies were, or could be, used in the Lebanese context.
Which methodology is employed?
The author uses a qualitative analysis approach, relying on conflict management theory and literature to map the conflict's origin, dynamics, and potential future resolution strategies.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the political background, the intervention of the Arab League, the "hurting stalemate" theory, constraints such as militias and ethnic schisms, and proposed solutions like interreligious dialogue.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Lebanon, Conflict Management, Mediation, Hezbollah, Sectarianism, and Peacebuilding.
Why is the "hurting stalemate" concept important in the Lebanese case?
It describes a situation where parties feel that they are in a losing position, which creates the necessary receptivity for them to engage in mediation and seek cooperative solutions.
How does Hezbollah function as a constraint to peace?
Hezbollah acts as a "total spoiler" by maintaining an independent military wing, blocking governmental decisions, and effectively operating as a "state within a state," which undermines state authority and stability.
What role does sectarianism play in Lebanese politics?
Sectarianism is deeply embedded in the constitution and daily life, creating a political system where power is divided by quotas. This structure often leads to institutional deadlock and makes the country vulnerable to ethnic conflict.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Natalie Züfle (Autor:in), 2009, Lebanon - a state trapped in conflict, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/180055
