Working with Groups of Friends

Summary

Determining how to work with the many external actors involved in any peace process is a critical issue for peacemakers. This volume explores how peacemakers can productively work with informal mini coalitions of states or intergovernmental organizations that provide support for resolving conflicts and implementing peace agreements—an innovation often referred to as groups of “Friends.” Using lessons learned from successful and less effective examples of peacemaking, the author introduces five steps for mediators who may consider working with these groups:

• Assess the environment for Friends
• Develop a strategy
• Engage with Friends and conflict parties
• Sustain coordinated support
• Prepare for implementation

This handbook encourages and facilitates the rigorous analysis of the potential benefits and risks of engaging regional and international external actors in the mediation process.

Print copies of this toolkit can be purchased from USIP's online bookstore.

About This Handbook

This volume is the sixth in the Peacemaker’s Toolkit series. Each handbook addresses a facet of the work of mediating violent conflicts, including such topics as negotiations with terrorists, constitution making, assessing and enhancing ripeness, and track-II peacemaking

• Read more about the Peacemaker's Toolkit Series and download other books in the series