Open AccessLessons from the Kerry Peace Initiative and the Need for a Constructive Approach
Author(s) -
Amira Schiff
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
peace and conflict studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.116
H-Index - 6
ISSN - 1082-7307
DOI - 10.46743/1082-7307/2015.1276
Subject(s) - negotiation , constructive , political science , politics , conflict resolution , state (computer science) , peacebuilding , peacekeeping , law and economics , public administration , law , process (computing) , public relations , political economy , sociology , computer science , algorithm , operating system
The failure of the most recent peace efforts in the Israeli Palestinian conflict, by Secretary of State Kerry, followed by the Palestinians’ decision to pursue the unilateral track, underlines the need to examine the factors that led to this failure and to draw lessons that perhaps will provide a better understanding of what is possible to achieve in a future negotiation. The following analysis indicates that the failure of the process can be attributed to structural factors, substantive factors and the third party’s conduct, including setting a goal that was unrealistic, asymmetrical conduct and a lack of understanding of the complex political and cultural factors on both sides. Any attempt to resume the peace talks between the parties will have to take these factors into consideration.