Global Governance and Conflict Resolution

Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in International Conflict Resolution course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

Global Governance and Conflict Resolution

Global Governance #

Global Governance

Global governance refers to the system of rules, norms, and institutions that gu… #

It involves the coordination of policies and actions at the global level to address transnational issues such as climate change, human rights, trade, and security. Global governance aims to promote stability, peace, and prosperity in the international community by fostering cooperation and collective decision-making.

Conflict Resolution #

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a process of addressing and resolving disputes or disagre… #

It involves techniques and methods to manage and resolve conflicts effectively to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Conflict resolution can be achieved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, diplomacy, or other peaceful means. The goal of conflict resolution is to reduce tensions, promote understanding, and prevent the escalation of conflicts into violence or war.

Arbitration #

Arbitration

Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside of the court system, where… #

Arbitration is often used in international disputes, commercial contracts, labor conflicts, and other legal matters. The parties involved in arbitration agree to abide by the arbitrator's decision, which is usually final and legally enforceable.

Mediation #

Mediation

Mediation is a process of resolving conflicts with the assistance of a neutral t… #

The mediator does not make decisions but guides the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that allows parties to express their concerns, interests, and needs to find a resolution that satisfies both sides.

Negotiation #

Negotiation

Negotiation is a communication process in which parties engage in discussions to… #

Negotiation involves give-and-take, compromise, and problem-solving to find a solution that meets the interests of both parties. Effective negotiation requires active listening, understanding the other party's perspective, and exploring creative options to resolve differences and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

Conflict Transformation #

Conflict Transformation

Conflict transformation is a holistic approach to addressing conflicts that focu… #

Conflict transformation goes beyond resolving disputes to address the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, injustice, discrimination, and power imbalances. It aims to transform relationships, values, and systems to build a more just and peaceful society.

Peacebuilding #

Peacebuilding

Peacebuilding is a process of promoting sustainable peace, stability, and reconc… #

Peacebuilding activities focus on addressing the root causes of conflict, strengthening social cohesion, promoting dialogue, and rebuilding trust among communities. Peacebuilding initiatives can include conflict resolution, mediation, reconciliation, transitional justice, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR), and capacity-building for peace.

Transitional Justice #

Transitional Justice

Transitional justice refers to a set of measures and mechanisms used to address… #

Transitional justice processes aim to provide truth, justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence to victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and promote reconciliation and social healing. Transitional justice mechanisms include truth commissions, tribunals, reparations programs, and institutional reforms.

Human Rights #

Human Rights

Human rights are universal rights and freedoms that are inherent to all individu… #

Human rights include civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights that protect human dignity, equality, and justice. Human rights are enshrined in international treaties, conventions, and declarations, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and are legally binding on states to uphold and protect the rights of all individuals within their jurisdiction.

Non #

State Actors

Non #

state actors are entities or organizations that are not part of the government or state apparatus but play a significant role in international affairs, global governance, and conflict resolution. Non-state actors include civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations, religious groups, media outlets, and grassroots movements. Non-state actors can influence policy-making, advocate for human rights, provide humanitarian assistance, and participate in peacebuilding efforts at the local, national, and international levels.

United Nations (UN) #

United Nations (UN)

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 to promote p… #

The UN consists of 193 member states and serves as a forum for multilateral diplomacy, conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. The UN Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and specialized agencies, such as UNICEF and WHO, work together to address global challenges, such as poverty, climate change, armed conflicts, and human rights violations.

International Law #

International Law

International law is a set of rules, norms, and principles that govern the condu… #

International law regulates relations between states, protects human rights, promotes peaceful coexistence, and resolves disputes through legal mechanisms. International law is based on treaties, conventions, customary practices, and judicial decisions, such as the International Court of Justice, and is binding on states to comply with their legal obligations under international agreements.

Security Council #

Security Council

The Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations respon… #

The Security Council consists of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The Security Council can authorize peacekeeping operations, impose sanctions, and take enforcement actions to address threats to peace, conflicts, and security challenges around the world.

Peacekeeping #

Peacekeeping

Peacekeeping is a form of international intervention in conflict situations aime… #

Peacekeeping operations are conducted by the United Nations or regional organizations with the consent of the parties involved in the conflict. Peacekeepers monitor ceasefires, support peace agreements, protect civilians, assist in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) processes, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to conflict-affected populations.

Humanitarian Assistance #

Humanitarian Assistance

Humanitarian assistance is the provision of aid, relief, and support to people a… #

Humanitarian assistance includes food, water, shelter, medical care, sanitation, protection, and psychosocial support to meet the basic needs of affected populations. Humanitarian organizations, such as the United Nations agencies, the Red Cross, and NGOs, deliver humanitarian aid in coordination with governments, donors, and local partners.

Conflict Sensitivity #

Conflict Sensitivity

Conflict sensitivity is an approach to development, humanitarian, and peacebuild… #

Conflict-sensitive programming aims to understand the context, actors, power dynamics, and root causes of conflicts to design and implement projects that do no harm, reduce tensions, build trust, and support local peacebuilding efforts. Conflict sensitivity requires continuous monitoring, analysis, and adaptation to changing conflict dynamics.

Gender Mainstreaming #

Gender Mainstreaming

Gender mainstreaming is a strategy to promote gender equality and women's empowe… #

Gender mainstreaming aims to integrate a gender perspective into decision-making, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes to address the different needs, roles, and experiences of women, men, girls, and boys. Gender mainstreaming ensures that gender equality is considered a cross-cutting issue in development, peacebuilding, and governance initiatives to achieve sustainable and inclusive outcomes.

Civil Society #

Civil Society

Civil society refers to the space, actors, and organizations outside of the gove… #

Civil society includes non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, trade unions, religious institutions, media outlets, and grassroots movements that mobilize people, resources, and ideas to address social issues, hold governments accountable, and participate in decision-making processes. Civil society plays a crucial role in promoting civic engagement, social cohesion, and democratic governance.

Track Two Diplomacy #

Track Two Diplomacy

Track Two diplomacy is a form of informal, unofficial, and non #

governmental diplomacy that involves dialogue, negotiation, and conflict resolution efforts by private individuals, experts, academics, and civil society actors to complement official diplomatic channels and processes. Track Two diplomacy can help build trust, facilitate communication, generate creative solutions, and promote people-to-people exchanges between conflicting parties or communities. Track Two initiatives can address sensitive issues, explore alternative approaches, and pave the way for official negotiations and peace agreements.

Peacebuilding Evaluation #

Peacebuilding Evaluation

Peacebuilding evaluation is the systematic assessment of peacebuilding programs,… #

Peacebuilding evaluation aims to provide evidence-based insights, lessons learned, and best practices to improve the design, implementation, and evaluation of peacebuilding initiatives. Peacebuilding evaluations use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess outcomes, outputs, processes, and contextual factors that influence peacebuilding results and contribute to learning and accountability.

Conflict Analysis #

Conflict Analysis

Conflict analysis is a methodological process of examining the causes, dynamics,… #

Conflict analysis involves collecting and analyzing data, conducting stakeholder consultations, mapping conflict issues, and identifying root causes, triggers, and patterns of conflicts. Conflict analysis helps inform conflict prevention, management, and resolution strategies by providing insights into the underlying factors, interests, and needs of parties involved in the conflict and guiding the design of effective interventions.

Transnational Advocacy Networks #

Transnational Advocacy Networks

Transnational advocacy networks are coalitions, alliances, and partnerships of i… #

Transnational advocacy networks use information, communication, and mobilization strategies to influence policies, advocate for change, and raise awareness about global issues. Transnational advocacy networks can amplify voices, build solidarity, and pressure governments, corporations, and international organizations to address transnational challenges and uphold international norms and standards.

Public Diplomacy #

Public Diplomacy

Public diplomacy is a diplomatic strategy that involves engaging with foreign pu… #

Public diplomacy uses communication, cultural exchanges, educational programs, and people-to-people interactions to shape public perceptions, counter misinformation, and enhance bilateral relations between countries. Public diplomacy aims to bridge differences, foster dialogue, and promote cooperation in international relations through public engagement and strategic communication.

Track One Diplomacy #

Track One Diplomacy

Track One diplomacy refers to official, formal, and government #

to-government diplomatic negotiations, dialogues, and agreements conducted by recognized representatives, diplomats, and officials of states to address international conflicts, security issues, and diplomatic challenges. Track One diplomacy involves high-level negotiations, treaties, summits, and official channels of communication between states to resolve disputes, prevent conflicts, and advance diplomatic relations. Track One diplomacy is often complemented by Track Two and Track Three diplomacy involving non-state actors, civil society, and private individuals to support peacebuilding efforts.

Preventive Diplomacy #

Preventive Diplomacy

Preventive diplomacy is a diplomatic approach that aims to anticipate, prevent,… #

Preventive diplomacy involves early warning, conflict analysis, mediation, dialogue, and confidence-building measures to address root causes, trigger factors, and structural risks that can lead to conflict. Preventive diplomacy is a proactive and preventive strategy employed by states, international organizations, and mediators to prevent conflicts, promote peace, and build resilience in fragile and conflict-affected regions.

International Conflict Resolution #

International Conflict Resolution

International conflict resolution is a field of study and practice that focuses… #

International conflict resolution involves negotiation, mediation, arbitration, peacebuilding, and diplomacy to prevent conflicts, promote peace, and facilitate cooperation in the international system. International conflict resolution aims to reduce tensions, build trust, and find mutually acceptable solutions to complex and contentious issues in global governance.

Transitional Justice Mechanisms #

Transitional Justice Mechanisms

Transitional justice mechanisms are tools, processes, and institutions used to a… #

Transitional justice mechanisms include truth commissions, tribunals, reparations programs, memorialization projects, institutional reforms, and vetting processes to provide justice, accountability, truth-telling, and reconciliation to victims and affected communities. Transitional justice mechanisms aim to address the legacies of violence, promote healing, and prevent future abuses in post-conflict societies.

Track Three Diplomacy #

Track Three Diplomacy

Track Three diplomacy refers to informal, non #

official, and civil society-led initiatives, dialogues, and peace processes involving grassroots organizations, community leaders, religious institutions, and other non-state actors to support peacebuilding efforts and reconciliation in conflict-affected societies. Track Three diplomacy complements Track One and Track Two diplomacy by engaging local stakeholders, building trust, fostering dialogue, and promoting people-to-people exchanges to address deep-rooted grievances, build social cohesion, and prevent the recurrence of conflicts. Track Three diplomacy enhances inclusivity, legitimacy, and sustainability in peacebuilding initiatives.

Conflict Prevention #

Conflict Prevention

Conflict prevention is a proactive strategy and set of measures aimed at identif… #

Conflict prevention involves early warning systems, dialogue, mediation, capacity-building, and structural reforms to prevent conflicts from escalating and to promote peaceful coexistence, social cohesion, and inclusive governance. Conflict prevention is a key pillar of peacebuilding, diplomacy, and global governance efforts to build resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and foster sustainable peace in conflict-prone regions.

International Humanitarian Law #

International Humanitarian Law

International humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war or the law of arme… #

International humanitarian law is based on the Geneva Conventions and other treaties that prohibit war crimes, genocide, torture, and other violations of human rights during armed conflicts. International humanitarian law aims to uphold the principles of humanity, proportionality, distinction, and necessity in the conduct of hostilities and to ensure respect for the rights and dignity of all persons affected by armed conflicts.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission #

Truth and Reconciliation Commission

A truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) is a transitional justice mechanism… #

TRCs provide a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their testimonies, confront the past, address impunity, and recommend reparations, reforms, and measures to prevent future abuses. TRCs aim to promote truth, justice, accountability, and reconciliation as part of the process of building a more just and peaceful society.

Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) #

Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR)

Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) is a process of decommissio… #

DDR programs include collecting, destroying, and securing weapons, providing ex-combatants with vocational training, employment opportunities, psychosocial support, and community reintegration assistance. DDR aims to disarm fighters, reintegrate them into society, and prevent the resurgence of violence in post-conflict environments by addressing the root causes of conflicts and building sustainable peace.

International Criminal Court (ICC) #

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal est… #

The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and operates independently of the United Nations to hold accountable those responsible for the most serious international crimes. The ICC complements national judicial systems and serves as a deterrent to impunity, promoting justice, accountability, and respect for human rights in the international community.

Humanitarian Intervention #

Humanitarian Intervention

Humanitarian intervention is the use of military force or other coercive measure… #

Humanitarian intervention is a controversial and contested concept in international law and politics, as it raises issues of sovereignty, legitimacy, legality, and effectiveness in the use of force for humanitarian purposes.

State Sovereignty #

State Sovereignty

State sovereignty is the principle that states have the exclusive authority and… #

State sovereignty is enshrined in the United Nations Charter and international law, which recognizes the sovereign rights of states to govern their affairs, make decisions, and interact with other states on the basis of equality, non-interference, and mutual respect. State sovereignty is a foundational principle of international relations that shapes state behavior, diplomacy, and governance in the global arena.

International Organizations #

International Organizations

International organizations are formal, institutionalized entities composed of m… #

International organizations include the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, NATO, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and other specialized agencies and bodies that work on specific areas of global governance, such as peacekeeping, development, trade, health, and environmental protection.

Peacebuilding Strategies #

Peacebuilding Strategies

Peacebuilding strategies are approaches, methods, and interventions used to prom… #

Peacebuilding strategies include conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, peacebuilding evaluation, transitional justice, DDR, security sector reform, and governance reforms to build social cohesion, trust, and resilience in post-conflict environments. Peacebuilding strategies aim to transform conflict dynamics, promote inclusive governance, and foster sustainable peace and development.

Power Sharing #

Power Sharing

Power sharing is a political arrangement or mechanism in conflict #

affected societies that involves the

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