Author(s)

Joshua HK. Banda

Affiliation(s)

Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia.

Corresponding Author

Joshua HK. Banda

ABSTRACT

In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, the involvement of international actors in the resolution of internal conflicts has become a central phenomenon, influencing the contours of state sovereignty and the dynamics of conflict mediation. This article critically examines the complex intersection between international intervention and domestic conflict resolution, with a focus on the politics of mediation. The central objective of this study is to uncover the motivations, strategies, and outcomes associated with the participation of external actors-ranging from sovereign states and international organizations to nongovernmental entities-in conflict mediation within sovereign nations.

Through multidimensional analysis, the research aims to illuminate the diverse roles played by international actors in facilitating or impeding the peaceful resolution of internal conflicts. These actors often bring considerable diplomatic, economic, and normative resources that, while ostensibly geared toward promoting peace and stability, can simultaneously challenge traditional concepts of state sovereignty. The article systematically explores how the presence of international mediation can advance or hinder the resolution process, analyzing case studies where external involvement has significantly changed the trajectory of conflict outcomes, for better or worse.

A crucial dimension of this inquiry lies in the delicate balance between promoting peace and respecting the principles of state sovereignty. While international actors can provide technical expertise, mediation skills, and material support, their engagement raises fundamental questions about the legitimacy of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign states. In cases where mediation efforts conflict with the political will of the state, the role of international actors risks being seen as an attack on sovereignty, further complicating the mediation process.

The article argues that while international mediation can undeniably provide invaluable resources and expertise to facilitate the resolution of entangled national conflicts, it also raises profound questions about the legitimacy of such interventions, particularly in contexts where national governments are resistant to external influence. This tension between the imperative of peacebuilding and the preservation of sovereignty is a central theme of the study, as it highlights the danger that international mediation may inadvertently exacerbate political tensions or undermine state legitimacy.

Ultimately, this article aims to contribute to the broader debate on the politics of mediation by offering a nuanced understanding of the influence of international actors in the resolution of internal conflicts. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and context-sensitive approach to mediation that recognizes the diverse political, cultural, and historical factors that shape each conflict. In this context, the article advocates for the creation of strong regulatory frameworks that can guide the involvement of international actors in a way that guarantees effective conflict resolution, while preserving the principle of national sovereignty. This nuanced approach is essential to fostering a more harmonious balance between international engagement and state autonomy in the pursuit of peace and stability.

KEYWORDS

Mediation; International actors; Conflict resolution & state sovereignty

CITE THIS PAPER

Joshua HK. Banda. The politics of mediation: analyzing the influence of international actors on domestic conflict resolution and state sovereignty. Journal of Political Science and International Relations Studies. 2025, 2(1): 1-10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/jpsr3006.

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