Jonah Patel
Multitrack diplomacy is a conceptual approach to international peacemaking that views the process as a living system. It expands on the traditional view of diplomacy as a matter of politics among nations by recognizing the interconnectedness of various sectors, including government, business, and civil society, and their influence on peacebuilding efforts. This systems-based approach aims to create sustainable and effective solutions to complex issues by involving multiple sectors in society. It addresses the limitations of traditional government mediation by incorporating non-governmental actors, civil society, and other informal channels. Multitrack diplomacy encompasses various tracks, including official government diplomacy (Track One), unofficial non-state actor interventions (Track Two), and other tracks involving conflict-resolution professionals, businesses, private citizens, and the media. These tracks provide additional routes for dialogue, relationship-building, and problem-solving, even in situations of strained official diplomatic ties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| A conceptual way to view the process of international peacemaking | A living system |
| An expansion of the "Track One, Track Two" paradigm | Interconnected activities, individuals, institutions, and communities |
| Each track has its own resources, values, and approaches | All tracks are linked and coordinated |
| Track 1 Diplomacy | Official diplomacy, direct communication between governments |
| Track 1.5 Diplomacy | Dialogue between government representatives and non-governmental experts |
| Track 2 Diplomacy | Unofficial channel, no direct governmental involvement |
| Track 3 | Business and its effects on peacebuilding |
| Track 4 | Private citizens involved in peace and development activities |
| Multi-track diplomacy | An increasingly important element of dialogue to address global challenges |
| Provides opportunities for dialogue and problem-solving when official diplomatic ties are strained | |
| Incorporates grassroots and civil society participation | |
| Supports peace processes and maintains communication channels | |
| A forum for discussing tough policy issues |
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![Conflict resolution : track two diplomacy Center for the Study of Foreign Affairs ; edited by John W. McDonald Jr. and Diane B. Bendahmane. 1987 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- Track One Diplomacy: Official government diplomacy
- Track Two Diplomacy: Unofficial interaction of non-state actors
- Track 1.5 Diplomacy: Informal dialogue between government and non-government experts
- Multi-track diplomacy's role in addressing global challenges
- Multi-track diplomacy's role in conflict resolution
Track One Diplomacy: Official government diplomacy
Track One Diplomacy, also known as official government diplomacy, is the traditional form of diplomacy involving official, governmental action and communication between governments. It is a formal process that includes policymaking, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution through the governmental process. This involves diplomats, heads of state, and other official authorities conducting negotiations and discussions to resolve international conflicts and promote cooperation.
Track One Diplomacy is often associated with international organisations like the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as bilateral negotiations between two countries. It is a crucial aspect of international relations and plays a significant role in addressing global challenges and fostering cooperation among nations.
One example of Track One Diplomacy is the Global Enterprise to Strengthen Nonproliferation and Disarmament (GE). This initiative brings together officials from over 20 countries to discuss nuclear risk reduction and advance goals related to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). These discussions contribute to the official dialogue on NPT priorities and help find shared perspectives among participating countries.
Another illustration of Track One Diplomacy is the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1993. While the talks began as Track Two Diplomacy, they eventually transitioned into official negotiations between governments, demonstrating the flexibility and interplay between different tracks in multitrack diplomacy.
Political, economic, and institutional peacebuilding are also functions of Track One Diplomacy. It involves political rebuilding, the restoration of infrastructure, and the strengthening of international institutions. This track is essential for establishing formal agreements and fostering relationships between nations through official channels.
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Track Two Diplomacy: Unofficial interaction of non-state actors
Track Two Diplomacy is a purely unofficial channel for dialogue between non-governmental experts, without direct governmental involvement. It is an interpersonal approach that incorporates citizens with diverse skills into the mediation process. Track Two Diplomacy is the unofficial interaction and intervention of non-state actors. It is always open-minded, often altruistic, and strategically optimistic, based on a best-case analysis. It assumes that actual or potential conflict can be resolved or eased by appealing to common human capabilities to respond to goodwill and reasonableness. Track Two Diplomacy is not a substitute for Track One Diplomacy but rather complements it by assisting official actors in managing and resolving conflicts.
Track Two Diplomacy is a process that involves conflict resolution professionals, businesses, private citizens, and the media. It can help prepare an environment that will welcome positive change carried out by Track One or government. It can also ensure that government decisions are implemented properly. This cross-fertilization of the official and non-government sectors of society allows change to happen.
Track Two Diplomacy is important because it provides additional routes to engage and develop solutions to global concerns. In the face of long-standing geopolitical tensions, unofficial diplomacy can offer opportunities for dialogue and problem-solving, even when official diplomatic ties are strained or broken. For example, the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) grew out of unofficial Track Two discussions before transitioning into Track One negotiations.
Track Two Diplomacy is a necessary component of psychological reasons and needs to be coordinated with Track One Diplomacy. It is not independent of Track One Diplomacy, and both tracks are linked and can operate more powerfully when coordinated. Track Two Diplomacy is a systems-based approach to conflict resolution that recognizes that the transformation of deep-rooted conflicts cannot be left solely to governmental entities but must be expanded to include non-governmental actors, civil society, and other informal channels.
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Track 1.5 Diplomacy: Informal dialogue between government and non-government experts
Track 1.5 Diplomacy is a form of informal dialogue that occurs between government representatives and non-governmental experts. It is a type of multi-track diplomacy, which is a conceptual way of viewing international peacemaking as a living system of interconnected activities, individuals, institutions, and communities working together towards a common goal of world peace.
Track 1.5 Diplomacy is characterised by its less formal nature compared to traditional Track 1 Diplomacy, which involves official government-to-government negotiations. In Track 1.5, government officials participate in an unofficial capacity, allowing for more open and frank discussions. These dialogues often serve as a platform for future negotiations, providing an opportunity for participants to build trust and hold conversations that may be challenging or impossible in an official setting.
An example of Track 1.5 Diplomacy in practice is the China-U.S. Strategic Nuclear Dynamics Dialogue, facilitated by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Pacific Forum from 2004 to 2019. This avenue provided a space for officials to engage in "frank and candid" discussions on nuclear issues with their Chinese counterparts.
The Global Enterprise to Strengthen Nonproliferation and Disarmament (GE) is another illustration of Track 1.5 Diplomacy. GE convenes officials from over 20 countries, along with non-government experts, to discuss ideas and find shared perspectives that advance the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime. These meetings have contributed to an increased focus on nuclear risk reduction within official NPT discussions.
Track 1.5 Diplomacy is particularly useful when official diplomatic ties are strained or broken. It allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of policy challenges and providing a forum for exploring new ideas. These discussions can then inform and support Track 1 dialogues, contributing to a holistic approach to conflict resolution and sustainable peace.
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Multi-track diplomacy's role in addressing global challenges
Multi-track diplomacy is a conceptual approach to international peacemaking that views the process as a living system. It recognises the interconnectedness of various sectors, including government, business, and civil society, and their influence on peacebuilding efforts. This systems-based approach is particularly useful in addressing global challenges and fostering cooperation among nations.
In a complex global environment, diplomats and peacebuilders face difficult policy challenges. Multi-track diplomacy provides a holistic framework for addressing these challenges by engaging multiple sectors of society. Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy, often referred to as "back channel" diplomacy, have become increasingly important elements of dialogue. These unofficial tracks allow for the inclusion of grassroots and civil society participation, support peace processes, and provide a channel for communication when official government channels are strained or broken. For example, the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization began as Track 2 discussions before transitioning into Track 1 negotiations.
Track 1.5 diplomacy occurs when government representatives and non-governmental experts engage in less formal dialogues. This track provides a space for frank and candid discussions, allowing for the exploration of different perspectives and a deeper understanding of policy challenges. Track 2 diplomacy, on the other hand, is a purely unofficial channel without direct government involvement. It brings together non-governmental experts and representatives from both sides to build trust and hold conversations that official government channels might not be able to facilitate.
The expansion of the multi-track system beyond Track 1 recognises that deep-rooted conflicts require the involvement of non-governmental actors, civil society, and other informal channels. By incorporating these additional tracks, multi-track diplomacy aims to create sustainable and effective solutions to complex issues. It also helps to broaden the scope of conversations, facilitate open and honest communication, and provide a forum for discussing challenging policy issues.
In conclusion, multi-track diplomacy plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges by providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to conflict resolution. By engaging multiple sectors of society and recognising their interconnectedness, this systems-based approach increases the likelihood of long-term, sustainable peace and fosters cooperation among nations. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, multi-track diplomacy offers a flexible and dynamic framework for addressing global challenges.
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Multi-track diplomacy's role in conflict resolution
Multi-track diplomacy is a conceptual way to view the process of international peacemaking as a living system. It recognises the interconnectedness of multiple sectors in society, including government, business, and civil society, and their influence on peacebuilding efforts. This systems-based approach is particularly useful in conflict resolution, as it allows for a holistic, comprehensive approach that increases the likelihood of long-term, sustainable peace.
The traditional view of diplomacy involves two governments meeting, negotiating, and agreeing on a resolution. This is often referred to as Track One or Track 1 Diplomacy. However, the world of diplomacy has evolved to include a range of participants beyond government officials, such as academics, policymakers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private citizens. This expansion of diplomacy beyond the state level is known as Track Two or Track 2 Diplomacy.
Track 1.5 Diplomacy occurs when government representatives and non-governmental experts engage in less formal dialogues. These discussions do not carry the same authority as official negotiations, but they provide a space for frank and open conversations, allowing for the exploration of different perspectives and the development of new ideas. Track 1.5 and Track 2 Diplomacy are often referred to as "back channel" diplomacy and are increasingly incorporated into peacebuilding strategies.
The role of multi-track diplomacy in conflict resolution is significant. It allows for the inclusion of grassroots and civil society participation, supports peace processes, and provides a channel of communication when official channels may be strained or broken. For example, in the case of the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the agreement was achieved through a combination of Track 2 and Track 1 Diplomacy. Track 2 Diplomacy provided a space for initial discussions and negotiations that later transitioned into official Track 1 negotiations.
Additionally, multi-track diplomacy can help to maintain communication and problem-solving opportunities when official diplomatic ties are strained or broken. It provides a forum for discussing tough policy issues and facilitates relationship-building, which is crucial in conflict resolution. By recognising that no single track is more important or independent, multi-track diplomacy aims to coordinate the efforts of various sectors to work together towards a common goal of sustainable peace.
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Frequently asked questions
Multitrack diplomacy is a conceptual way to view the process of international peacemaking as a living system. It looks at the web of interconnected activities, individuals, institutions, and communities that operate together for a common goal: a world at peace.
Track 1 Diplomacy refers to official diplomacy, where communication is directly between governments. Track 1.5 Diplomacy occurs when government representatives and non-governmental experts engage in dialogue in less formal ways than Track 1. Track 2 Diplomacy brings together unofficial representatives with no government participation. Track 3 involves businesses and their actual and potential effects on peacebuilding. Track 4 involves private citizens and the various ways they can get involved in peace and development activities.
Multitrack diplomacy is important because it provides a holistic approach to resolving conflicts by involving multiple sectors in society, including government, business, and civil society. By recognizing the interconnectedness of these sectors, this systems approach can create sustainable and effective solutions to complex issues.
Multitrack diplomacy offers several benefits. It can help incorporate grassroots and civil society participation, support peace processes, maintain communication channels when official channels are strained, and provide a forum for discussing tough policy issues. It also allows for different perspectives to be shared, broadens the scope of conversations, and facilitates more open and frank communication.
