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1. National Dialogues x Transitional Justice

Author:
Sylvia Servaes and David Bloomfield
Publication Date:
02-2025
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Berghof Foundation
Abstract:
In the aftermath of conflict, National Dialogue and Transitional Justice can both contribute to reconciliation and prevent the recurrence of violence. But what is the nexus between the two? What are key shared characteristics, goals, and complementarities? In this paper, Sylvia Servaes and David Bloomfield explore the interlinkages between National Dialogues and Transitional Justice. They also discuss open questions on how both processes can be further integrated in practice to enhance their relevance and effectiveness. Over the last two decades, National Dialogues have been increasingly recognised as a comprehensive tool for preventing violent conflicts and reaching inclusive political settlements. However, questions remain on how to best integrate certain topics in the design of National Dialogues and how to meaningfully include specific societal groups. The series “National Dialogues at crossroads” aims at addressing this gap. It compiles lessons learned and recommendations on four cross-cutting issues: climate change, digitalisation, protest movements, and Transitional Justice.
Topic:
Transitional Justice, Reconciliation, Post-Conflict, and National Dialogue
Political Geography:
Global Focus

2. National dialogue – a tool for conflict prevention in Eswatini

Author:
Craig Moffat
Publication Date:
08-2023
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
African Journal on Conflict Resolution
Institution:
The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD)
Abstract:
As the Kingdom of Eswatini plans to deal with the consequences of pro-democracy protests and the continued calls for the establishment of a national dialogue seemingly going unanswered, it may be an opportune time to examine what type of national dialogue would benefit the country. It has been over a year since King Mswati III agreed to the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) leaders’ proposal to ensure conditions are conducive for setting up a national dialogue. National dialogues are becoming an increasingly popular tool for conflict resolution, and in the case of Eswatini, political transformation. In recent years, we have witnessed several attempts to conduct national dialogues as critical tools in the prevention of conflict and for managing political crises and transitions in the SADC region. By agreeing to undertake this political process, it increases the potential for a more meaningful engagement as it increases participation beyond that of the political elites, while also creating a platform for deeper discussions to formulate solutions to the crisis. This paper examines and proposes the type of national dialogue best suited to bring together the conflicting parties and bring an end to the political protests and violence.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Negotiation, and National Dialogue
Political Geography:
Africa and Eswatini

3. National Dialogues x Protest Movements

Author:
Isabel Bramsen
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Berghof Foundation
Abstract:
What are the challenges for organising a National Dialogue process in the context of popular uprisings? What are opportunities for National Dialogues to be successful when active social movements are involved? In this paper, Isabel Bramsen analyses how National Dialogue processes need to be designed, conducted and implemented to allow for inclusive change through the involvement of protest movements.
Topic:
Transitional Justice, Protests, Inclusion, and National Dialogue
Political Geography:
Global Focus

4. National Dialogues x Digitalisation

Author:
Andreas T. Hirblinger
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Berghof Foundation
Abstract:
How does digitalisation shape National Dialogues? To what extent can National Dialogues contribute to shaping digitalisation? National Dialogues are nationally-owned political processes aimed at generating consensus among a broad range of national stakeholders. They can be implemented in times of deep political crisis, in post-war situations or during far-reaching political transition processes that impact the society at large. In this paper, Andreas Hirblinger analyses how digital technologies impact National Dialogue and how they can be used to support such processes. Over the last two decades, National Dialogues have been increasingly recognised as a comprehensive tool for preventing violent conflicts and reaching inclusive political settlements. However, questions remain open on how to best integrate certain topics in the design of National Dialogues and how to meaningfully include specific societal groups. The series “National Dialogues at crossroads” aims at addressing this gap. It compiles lessons learned and recommendations on four cross-cutting issues: climate change, digitalisation, protest movements, and Transitional Justice.
Topic:
Transitional Justice, Political Crisis, Digitalization, and National Dialogue
Political Geography:
Global Focus

5. National Dialogues x Climate Change

Author:
McKenzie Johnson
Publication Date:
11-2023
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Berghof Foundation
Abstract:
Over the next decades, climate change will profoundly affect the socio-ecological systems that underpin human societies and result in fundamental social change. Besides its potential to stir tensions or exacerbate violent conflicts, in some contexts, it may provide space for political actors to address long-standing tensions around natural resources or to build new alliances in order to address environmental challenges. But when might a National Dialogue be an appropriate tool to address climate change? Read more about the complex relationship between climate change and National Dialogue processes in this paper. Over the last two decades, National Dialogues have been increasingly recognised as a comprehensive tool for preventing violent conflicts and reaching inclusive political settlements. However, questions remain open on how to best integrate certain topics in the design of National Dialogues and how to meaningfully include specific societal groups. The series “National Dialogues at crossroads” aims at addressing this gap. It compiles lessons learned and recommendations on four cross-cutting issues: climate change, digitalisation, protest movements, and Transitional Justice.
Topic:
Climate Change, Natural Resources, Transitional Justice, and National Dialogue
Political Geography:
Global Focus