Small-State Mediation in International Conflicts Diplomacy and Negotiation in Israel-Palestine (Library of International Relations, 76) - Hardcover

'This work highlights Norway and Sweden, two smaller states, in one of the world's most intractable conflicts, the one between Israel and its neighbours. It is a story about how theses states contributed to changes towards a more peaceful future. In particular Eriksson's work brings forward the lesser-known contributions of Sweden, before and parallel to the process known as 'Oslo'. It demonstrates that smaller states can do things that are difficult for more powerful actors, but it also points to some of the limits in small state peace diplomacy.' - Peter Wallensteen, Professor of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University and University of Notre Dame; 'Having spent the better part of a professional lifetime in the pursuit of peace through international diplomacy, conflict prevention, and conflict mediation, Eriksson's narrative of Sweden's endeavours in the Israeli-Palestinian context is fascinating and intriguing. He very skillfully highlights not only the possibilities but also the limitations of small-state mediation in international conflicts.' - Jan Eliasson, Deputy-Secretary General, The United Nations

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most prolonged, contentious and divisive in the modern era. But, despite the volatile nature of the conflict, which frequently flares up in armed confrontations between the two, there have been advancements towards a settlement through an admittedly protracted peace process. In this book, Jacob Eriksson argues that the impact of small states, such as Sweden or Norway, should not be ignored when it comes to the ongoing efforts to negotiate between Israel and Palestine. Although small states lack coercive power, the talks they have sponsored in this particular instance (such as the Norwegian-mediated Oslo Accords) have transformed both the conflict and the conceptions of a solution to it. Of course, the diplomatic and financial power of larger states such as the USA is undoubtedly central to a negotiated solution. But by looking at conflict resolution from the perspective of the small state, Eriksson offers a unique analysis of power and diplomacy in the context of negotiations and efforts towards peace settlements.