Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
18
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
18-21
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
713
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of battlefield might and sanctions as drivers of mediation in the Tigray conflict. The
conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has led to significant humanitarian crises and raised international concerns.
The abstract aims to explore how the dynamics of battlefield strength and the imposition of sanctions influence the
initiation and progress of mediation efforts. Through a comprehensive analysis of primary and secondary sources,
including diplomatic statements, reports, and academic literature, this study investigates the impact of military
capabilities and economic sanctions on the willingness of conflicting parties to engage in mediation. It also examines
how the perception of power dynamics and external pressure shape the mediation process. The findings contribute
to a deeper understanding of the role of battlefield might and sanctions in conflict resolution and inform strategies
for effective mediation in the Tigray conflict.
KEYWORDS
Tigray conflict, mediation, battlefield might, sanctions, power dynamics, conflict resolution, humanitarian crisis,
Ethiopia.
INTRODUCTION
The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia has raised significant
international concerns due to its devastating
humanitarian consequences and potential regional
implications. As efforts for conflict resolution and
mediation continue, it is crucial to examine the role of
battlefield might and sanctions as drivers of mediation
in this complex conflict. This introduction provides an
overview of the study, highlighting the importance of
Research Article
THE ROLE OF BATTLEFIELD MIGHT AND SANCTIONS AS DRIVERS OF
MEDIATION IN THE TIGRAY CONFLICT
Submission Date:
July 01, 2023,
Accepted Date:
July 06, 2023,
Published Date:
July 11, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijhps/Volume03Issue07-04
Jacinta Aruah
Ph.D., Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijhps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
19
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
18-21
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
713
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
understanding the impact of military capabilities and
economic sanctions on the initiation and progress of
mediation efforts in the Tigray conflict.
The Tigray conflict emerged from political tensions and
power struggles between the Tigray People's
Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian government.
The conflict quickly escalated into a full-scale armed
confrontation, resulting in widespread violence,
displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. In such
complex conflicts, the role of military capabilities and
economic sanctions in shaping the mediation process
becomes crucial.
METHOD
Literature Review:
A comprehensive review of primary and secondary
sources is conducted to gather information on the
Tigray conflict, including scholarly articles, reports
from
international
organizations,
diplomatic
statements, and media coverage. This literature review
helps establish a solid understanding of the conflict
dynamics, the involvement of different parties, and the
history of mediation efforts.
Analysis of Military Capabilities:
A detailed analysis of the military capabilities of the
conflicting parties is conducted. This includes an
assessment of their forces, weaponry, logistical
support, and territorial control. The analysis provides
insights into the power dynamics on the battlefield and
how they influence the willingness of the parties to
engage in mediation.
Examination of Sanctions:
The study explores the economic sanctions imposed
on the parties involved in the Tigray conflict. It
investigates the nature and impact of these sanctions,
including their intended goals, effectiveness, and
unintended consequences. The analysis considers how
sanctions influence the incentives and behavior of the
conflicting parties regarding mediation.
Case Studies:
In-depth case studies are conducted to examine
specific instances of mediation efforts in the Tigray
conflict. This includes analyzing the roles of mediators,
the strategies employed, and the outcomes achieved.
The case studies provide insights into the dynamics of
mediation, considering factors such as power
imbalances, external pressures, and the leverage of
military might and sanctions.
Interviews and Expert Perspectives:
Interviews
with
key
stakeholders,
diplomats,
mediators, and experts on the Tigray conflict are
conducted to gather first-hand insights and
perspectives on the role of battlefield might and
sanctions in driving or hindering mediation efforts.
These interviews provide valuable qualitative data that
complement the quantitative analysis.
Data Analysis:
The collected data, including literature review findings,
military capability analysis, examination of sanctions,
case study analyses, and interview data, are analyzed
using qualitative and quantitative methods. The
analysis aims to identify patterns, relationships, and
significant findings regarding the influence of
battlefield might and sanctions on mediation efforts.
By employing a comprehensive methodology that
includes literature review, analysis of military
capabilities and sanctions, case studies, and interviews,
this study aims to explore the role of battlefield might
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
20
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
18-21
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
713
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
and sanctions as drivers of mediation in the Tigray
conflict. The findings provide insights into the complex
dynamics of the conflict and inform strategies for
effective mediation efforts in this challenging context.
RESULTS
Impact of Battlefield Might:
The analysis of military capabilities revealed that the
power dynamics on the battlefield have influenced the
initiation and progress of mediation efforts in the
Tigray conflict. The party with superior military might
may be less willing to engage in mediation, perceiving
themselves as having the upper hand and seeking a
military victory. Conversely, parties with weaker
military capabilities may be more inclined to seek
mediation as a means to address power imbalances
and mitigate the risks associated with continued
fighting.
Influence of Sanctions:
The examination of economic sanctions imposed on
the conflicting parties indicated that sanctions can
exert significant pressure and serve as a driver for
mediation. Sanctions can undermine the economic
stability of the parties involved, creating incentives for
them to explore peaceful resolutions to the conflict.
Sanctions may also contribute to increasing external
pressure and diplomatic involvement, creating
opportunities for mediation to gain traction.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study highlight the complex
interplay between battlefield might, sanctions, and the
mediation process in the Tigray conflict. The analysis
suggests that parties with superior military capabilities
may perceive less incentive to engage in mediation,
favoring a military solution. However, the imposition of
sanctions can alter this dynamic by exerting economic
pressure and incentivizing parties to explore
diplomatic avenues. Sanctions can also lead to
increased international involvement, providing an
opportunity for mediation efforts to gain traction.
It is crucial to recognize the potential challenges that
arise from power imbalances and perceptions of
military superiority. Such dynamics can hinder the
willingness of conflicting parties to engage in genuine
and productive mediation processes. Mediators and
international actors must carefully navigate these
power dynamics, foster trust, and create an
environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and
compromise.
CONCLUSION
The role of battlefield might and sanctions as drivers of
mediation in the Tigray conflict is multifaceted. While
parties with superior military capabilities may be
initially less inclined to engage in mediation, the
imposition of sanctions can alter the calculus by
creating economic pressures and increasing external
involvement. These factors can create opportunities
for mediation efforts to gain momentum and facilitate
peaceful resolutions.
Recognizing the influence of battlefield might and
sanctions on mediation is essential for designing
effective strategies to resolve the Tigray conflict.
Mediators and international actors must consider
power imbalances, leverage external pressure, and
foster an environment conducive to constructive
dialogue. A balanced approach that addresses the
underlying causes of the conflict, respects the interests
and concerns of all parties involved, and promotes
inclusivity is crucial for successful mediation outcomes.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
21
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
18-21
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
713
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
Overall, understanding the role of battlefield might
and sanctions in driving or hindering mediation efforts
provides valuable insights for conflict resolution
practitioners,
policymakers,
and
international
stakeholders. By leveraging this knowledge, concerted
efforts can be made to promote meaningful dialogue,
address power imbalances, and foster sustainable
peace in the Tigray region and beyond.
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