The relationship between rising and traditional powers has become strained over the critical issue of conflict resolution. Following the negative effect of the Libya intervention based on R2P and the consequent inability to act in the face of the on-going civil war in Syria, there is a growing demand for alternative approaches to future interventions and conflict resolution by the international community. Rising powers, increasingly demanding a stronger voice in global governance, are leading the way and exploring new methodologies.
Among these new approaches is the Brazilian idea of preventative diplomacy and mediation. Resistance by rising powers to the concept of R2P rests on the assumption that it is a norm shaped only by traditional powers. This understanding both weakens and frames the understanding of humanitarian interventions. In short, there is a need to unlock the dichotomy between intervention/non-intervention that has had a polarizing effect on the discussions between rising and traditional powers and explore new understandings. Opening the debate on alternative approaches will ensure that future humanitarian protection, where necessary, will benefit from an inclusive approach.
This Seminar will take place on the 21st of March at the BRICS Policy Center located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It will be a one-day seminar structured around three roundtables. The first roundtable will open with a theoretical examination of issues of sovereignty and intervention focused on the theme of Protection of Civilians. The second roundtable will have an empirical approach with scholars from rising powers presenting alternative perspectives on issues of protection of civilians, preventative diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding. The final session will be a Davos style discussion on conflict resolution from a rising powers perspective.
The seminar is organized by PRIO, Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre (NOREF) and Global Unit for Mediation.
