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Introduction
Coordination[1] is a conflict resolution process in which a range of third parties – regardless of their origin, power status or role – make attempts such as consultation, coalition and network formation, division of labor, resource sharing and joint planning to work together in various phases of an armed conflict. The aim of third-party coordination is to contribute to the reduction of violence in the initial stages of conflict, and ultimately to contribute to the peaceful settlement of a conflict through a variety of intervening activities.
At least two third-party actors have been involved in approximately half of all mediation efforts around the world since the mid-1990s (Beber, 2010; Lindgren et al., 2010). With an enlarged number of third-party interveners acting in various capacities, with myriad roles and in different phases of conflict, the issue of coordination has garnered critical scrutiny. However, our current state of knowledge, particularly regarding the factors that contribute to the occurrence of third-party coordination, is partial and fragmentary, as conclusions are often based on the study of small subsets of third-party coordination, such as diplomatic coordination, official–unofficial coordination and post-war coordination. A solid understanding of all factors that play a role in third-party coordination processes is important, as these factors shape the overall dynamics of third-party coordination. A deeper understanding of the real-world conditions of third-party coordination can also contribute to the design of better policies and strategies for third-party coordination. In this light, the central question posed by this article is: Under what conditions do third parties coordinate their intervention efforts?
This article argues that coordination is a necessary step to be taken by third parties, whether at their own initiative or by the conflicting parties, to play a constructive role in conflict resolution efforts. Coordination among third-party interveners can be instrumental for leveraging collective pressure on the conflicting parties to find a negotiated solution in a timely manner. Third-party coordination can also be instrumental in convincing the conflicting parties to minimize the intensity of conflict, thereby reducing the cost of collateral damage. Moreover, third-party coordination can provide a reliable political guarantee for the conflicting parties to produce a peace agreement and implement it without significant hurdles.
Despite the many advantages of coordination in conflict resolution processes,...