From the Western Balkans to the Maghreb and the Near East: a renewed role for Italy in mediation

September 2023- June 2024

From the Western Balkans to the Maghreb and the Middle East: a renewed role for Italy in mediation

Italy, Western Balkans, Maghreb, the Middle East

Description

The general objective of the research project “From the Western Balkans to the Maghreb and the Middle East: a renewed role for Italy in mediation” is to analyse how to strengthen Italy’s role in peace mediation in the context of cooperation policies, development and Italian foreign policy.

The starting assumption is that Italy can have a relevant and growing role especially in the Western Balkans, the Maghreb and the Middle East. This research therefore aims to be a precious opportunity for critical and operational reflection on the role of Italy in international peace mediation processes (also in view of the Italian Presidency of the G7 in 2024). The project involves the publication in Italian and English of a research study on Italy’s renewed role in mediation. The study has been launched at the “Bologna Peacebuilding Forum” in May 2024.

There are three expected results:

  • Result 1: Generate new knowledge and analysis on peace mediation with particular attention to the role of Italy in the broader reference frame of the action of the European Union countries and the Guidelines on Peace Mediation;
  • Result 2: Strengthen the analytical capabilities of political decision makers to guide Italy’s action in peace mediation, from strategic geographical areas to more inclusive and innovative tools and practices;
  • Result 3: Strengthen the exchange at Italian level on peace mediation between political institutions, specialized civil society and the research field.

This project is realized with the support of the Unit for Analysis, Policy Planning, Statistics and Historical Documentation – Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in accordance with Article 23 ‒ bis of the Decree of the President of the Italian Republic 18/1967.

The views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Experts

Bernardo Venturi

Mariachiara Giaccai