Third-Party Requirements in Track Two: The Theory-Practice Gap within the African Context

Abstract

The following research paper, at a broad level, addresses theory-practice gaps specific to third-party requirements established in Track Two. More specifically based on the analysis of selected African conflicts, this paper posits that third-party criteria stem from a number of erroneous assumptions, specifically; (1) the absence of barriers to entry; (2) expertise as a pre-requisite to conflict resolution and; (3) the acquisition of trust based on status. Further, the analysis of case studies indicates that adherence to prescribed guidelines may, at times, either impede the occurrence of Track Two interventions or be detrimental to their outcomes. Such departure from theory suggests that prescribed criteria should be reviewed in order to reflect the successful interventions of unorthodox facilitators, and more importantly, to insure the applicability and legitimacy of Track Two theory.