CU Masion Francaise Hosts Pierre Hazan and Jean-Marie Guéhenno to discuss mediation of armed conflicts in the modern world.

On February 6, Columbia University’s Maison Française hosted a thought-provoking discussion featuring Pierre Hazan, author of Negotiating with the Devil, and Jean-Marie Guéhenno, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. The event explored the evolving challenges of diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution in an increasingly unstable world.

Hazan opened the discussion with observations about the current state of international diplomacy, saying that “We are witnessing an assault on the ICC, WHO, UN, and all national organizations. I think we are moving to a very volatile and dangerous world.” He noted that the number of active global conflicts has risen from 40 to 55 in the past decade. Hazan emphasized that today’s geopolitical norms are shifting, making it more difficult to define the ethics of negotiation. In the 1990s, the international consensus held that “there was no peace without justice.” Now, however, political realities dictate different strategies, particularly in conflicts where states must negotiate with groups labeled as terrorist organizations.

One of Hazan’s most pressing concerns was the increasing militarization of global politics: “Everyone is getting more ready and buying more weapons, and that is very scary.” He also highlighted the urgent need for new approaches to conflict mediation, particularly in the digital age, where wars are fought not just on the ground but online through disinformation and hate speech.

Guéhenno brought his expertise in international conflict resolution to the discussion, reflecting on the evolving nature of power and diplomacy. He noted that in the past, international law served as a restraint on state actions, but today, that restraint is weakening. “No country wants to be shamed for breaking international law. Now, there is no shame. The U.S. has no shame. Russia used to be a stickler for international law, and now they aren’t. We are in big trouble.”

Guéhenno discussed the ethical dilemmas faced by mediators, particularly when deciding whether negotiating with certain groups could inadvertently contribute to human rights violations. “What does a mediator do in a moral dilemma? Should I help move these people out, or am I contributing to ethnic cleansing?” he asked. He asserted that a hierarchy of rights should guide these decisions and emphasized the importance of reevaluating strategies frequently to ensure alignment within mediation teams.

During the Q&A session, one audience member questioned whether the UN still has a role to play in global peacekeeping. Hazan and Guéhenno agreed that while the UN’s influence is shrinking, it still serves as an anchor for international norms, even if it cannot enforce them. They highlighted the rise of new mediators such as China, Turkey, and Qatar, who are playing increasingly significant roles in negotiations worldwide.

The discussion concluded with a sobering reflection on the fragility of peace agreements and the need for innovative approaches to conflict resolution. Hazan stressed that, despite the challenges, opportunities still exist for diplomacy to evolve and address the complexities of modern warfare.

As global tensions continue to rise, conversations like these are essential in understanding how we navigate the treacherous landscape of negotiation and peacebuilding in the 21st century.

Image Via Bwarchives