Mediating Peace in a Fragmented World Order: Conceptual Reflections on Challenges and Strategies

The Second Austrian Forum for Peace engaged with the significant challenges posed on peacebuilding initiatives by an increasingly fragmented global order. At the same time, the necessity is clear of recognising and engaging with emerging regional and international powers, such as China, India, Brazil, and others, who have considerable influence on reshaping the global landscape. These powers often bring alternative perspectives on international law and governance, viewing existing legal frameworks as tools that preserves an allegedly outdated global order dominated by Western powers.

Dr. Jan Pospisil discusses in this Austrian Forum for Peace Working Paper why the rise of multipolarity, the resurgence of nationalism, and the increasing role of non-state actors are just a few factors contributing to this fragmentation, complicating the landscape of peace mediation. Moreover, potential approaches to armed conflict mediation and post-conflict transitions that might be more effective in this context of fragmentation are explored. Finally, Dr. Pospisil assesses whether new strategies are required to address the unique challenges posed by a fragmented global order and how these strategies might be implemented to foster sustainable peace in an increasingly complex world.