- Dept of Poltical Sciences
University of Pretoria
South Africa
Laurie Nathan
University of Pretoria, Political Sciences, Faculty Member
- International Mediation, Regional Security, Security sector Reform, South African foreign policy, African Union, Sadc, and 19 morePolitical Sciences, Foreign Policy Analysis, Regional Integration, Mediation, South Africa (History), Civil War, Defence and Security, Conflict Mediation Strategies, Apartheid, Militarism and militarization, Regional Security Complex Theory, War-to-Democracy Transitions, International donors, Local Ownership, Karl Deutsch, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Governance, and African Studiesedit
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Confidence-building measures and confidence-and security-building measures have long been part of the international disarmament agenda and conventional arms control negotiations in Europe. 1 More recently the concepts have been... more
Confidence-building measures and confidence-and security-building measures have long been part of the international disarmament agenda and conventional arms control negotiations in Europe. 1 More recently the concepts have been incorporated into an emerging new discourse on security in Africa. 2
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Militarisation in Africa is primarily a symptom of intra-state crises. The crises gave rise to a security vacuum which states and groups seek to fill through violence. The ensuing vicious cycle of insecurity will not be broken, and... more
Militarisation in Africa is primarily a symptom of intra-state crises. The crises gave rise to a security vacuum which states and groups seek to fill through violence. The ensuing vicious cycle of insecurity will not be broken, and substantial demilitarisation will not be achieved, without addressing the structural causes of the crises. The priority in this regard is the establishment of good governance. While a positive relationship may exist between disarmament, development and security, the more significant relationship is between good governance, secuirty and disarmament.
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Afr.j.polit. sci. (1998), Vol. 3 No. 2, 69-79 Good Governance, Security and Disarmament in Africa Laurie Nathan* Abstract Militarisation in Africa is primarily a symptom of intra-state crises. The crises gave rise to a security vacuum... more
Afr.j.polit. sci. (1998), Vol. 3 No. 2, 69-79 Good Governance, Security and Disarmament in Africa Laurie Nathan* Abstract Militarisation in Africa is primarily a symptom of intra-state crises. The crises gave rise to a security vacuum which states and groups seek to fill through violence. The ensuing vicious cycle of insecurity will not be broken, and substantial demilitarisation will not be achieved, without addressing the structural causes of the crises. The priority in this regard is the establishment of good governance. While a positive relationship may exist between ...
Over the past decades there have been numerous attempts to resolve intra-state conflict in Africa through mediation. Most of these efforts have failed, with one or more of the parties spurning negotiations, being unwilling or unable to... more
Over the past decades there have been numerous attempts to resolve intra-state conflict in Africa through mediation. Most of these efforts have failed, with one or more of the parties spurning negotiations, being unwilling or unable to reach a settlement in the course of mediation, or subsequently violating agreements that had been concluded. The factors that might account for the lack of success in each case include the history, nature and causes of the conflict; demographic, cultural and socio-economic conditions; the goals and conduct ...
Abstract: During Nelson Mandela's presidency between 1994 and 1999, foreign diplomats noted wryly and South African commentators complained loudly that Pretoria did not have a coherent foreign policy. There were several reasons for... more
Abstract: During Nelson Mandela's presidency between 1994 and 1999, foreign diplomats noted wryly and South African commentators complained loudly that Pretoria did not have a coherent foreign policy. There were several reasons for the ad hoc and often haphazard approach. The new government was preoccupied with the domestic imperatives of national reconciliation and the transformation of state departments; the Foreign Minister, Alfred Nzo, was sorely lacking in dynamism and vision; and the apartheid-era officials who still ...
This paper seeks to contribute to an inquiry into the factors that affect the viability and efficacy of regional organisations in Africa as peacemaking and security forums. The main aim of the paper is to explain the Southern African... more
This paper seeks to contribute to an inquiry into the factors that affect the viability and efficacy of regional organisations in Africa as peacemaking and security forums. The main aim of the paper is to explain the Southern African Development Community's limited success in peacemaking and in its efforts to establish a common security regime. Three major problems are discussed: the absence of common values among member states, which inhibits the development of trust, institutional cohesion, common policies and ...
This paper seeks to contribute to an inquiry into the factors that affect the viability and efficacy of regional organisations in Africa as peacemaking and security forums. The main aim of the paper is to explain the Southern African... more
This paper seeks to contribute to an inquiry into the factors that affect the viability and efficacy of regional organisations in Africa as peacemaking and security forums. The main aim of the paper is to explain the Southern African Development Community's limited success in peacemaking and in its efforts to establish a common security regime. Three major problems are discussed: the absence of common values among member states, which inhibits the development of trust, institutional cohesion, common policies and ...
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The causes and consequences of ceasefires have become a burgeoning area of research. The concept of ceasefire success is integral to this research and plays a key role as either the dependent or independent variable in both qualitative... more
The causes and consequences of ceasefires have become a burgeoning area of research. The concept of ceasefire success is integral to this research and plays a key role as either the dependent or independent variable in both qualitative and quantitative work. Despite its importance, it is not clear how ceasefire success should be conceptualized. This critically hampers the progress of theoretical and empirical research on ceasefires. This article offers a conceptual framework based on the central proposition that ceasefire success should be assessed in terms of two inter-related but conceptually distinct criteria: the immediate objective and the underlying purpose. The immediate objective, which is embedded in the definition of a ceasefire, is the cessation of hostilities (either permanently or temporarily). While all ceasefires share this objective, their underlying purpose, which is the reason for establishing the ceasefire, varies widely across cases. The immediate objective and the purpose, while conceptually distinct, are linked since the purpose informs the temporal and geographic scope of the cessation of hostilities. Based on this framework, we argue that researchers interested in ceasefire success need to clearly identify their assumptions and conceptual choices, which should take account of the political context of the ceasefires in question.
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Enhancing the effectiveness of conflict prevention is a major preoccupation of the UN and other multilateral organizations. This paper focuses on operational prevention of conflict, which entails immediate interventions to avert imminent... more
Enhancing the effectiveness of conflict prevention is a major preoccupation of the UN and other multilateral organizations. This paper focuses on operational prevention of conflict, which entails immediate interventions to avert imminent violence in crisis situations. The conventional view is that these interventions are short-term and ad hoc. In contrast, this paper identifies and analyzes a type of operational prevention that has been institutionalized so as to engage in continuous preventive action in a particular conflict. I define "institutionalized operational prevention" as a standing mechanism for preventing an ongoing conflict from becoming violent and preventing low-level violence from escalating into large-scale violence.
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Civil wars are particularly challenging to resolve via mediated negotiations. Practitioners and policy makers employ a variety of approaches to help move warring actors from war to peace. To assist in this process, peace researchers have... more
Civil wars are particularly challenging to resolve via mediated negotiations.
Practitioners and policy makers employ a variety of approaches to
help move warring actors from war to peace. To assist in this process,
peace researchers have examined civil war peace processes from a variety
of perspectives. In doing so, scholars assume their research will be useful
beyond simply accumulating knowledge. It has become evident, however,
that the research has not in fact informed policy and practice. This article
begins by examining the articles presented in this two-part special issue
(April and July 2018) aimed at improving the scholar–practitioner divide.
Practical lessons derived from the research are presented. These lessons
are followed by a frank assessment of what practitioners need from scholars, as well as recommendations for better bridging this important theory-to-practice divide.
Practitioners and policy makers employ a variety of approaches to
help move warring actors from war to peace. To assist in this process,
peace researchers have examined civil war peace processes from a variety
of perspectives. In doing so, scholars assume their research will be useful
beyond simply accumulating knowledge. It has become evident, however,
that the research has not in fact informed policy and practice. This article
begins by examining the articles presented in this two-part special issue
(April and July 2018) aimed at improving the scholar–practitioner divide.
Practical lessons derived from the research are presented. These lessons
are followed by a frank assessment of what practitioners need from scholars, as well as recommendations for better bridging this important theory-to-practice divide.
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This article focuses on the mediation mandate, a phenomenon that is neglected in the literature but extremely significant in practice. It aims to highlight the importance of the mandate and deepen conceptual clarity by presenting a... more
This article focuses on the mediation mandate, a phenomenon that is neglected in the literature but extremely significant in practice. It aims to highlight the importance of the mandate and deepen conceptual clarity by presenting a typology of different kinds of mediation mandate and examining their functions, effects, and relationships. It shows that mandates can both constrain and empower mediators and that they are major determinants of the process, goals, and outcome of mediation.
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The military is arguably the most important state institution because of its capacity to exercise substantial force. It may be the ultimate guarantor of sovereignty and liberty if a country is confronted by external aggression. It also... more
The military is arguably the most important state institution because of its capacity to exercise substantial force. It may be the ultimate guarantor of sovereignty and liberty if a country is confronted by external aggression. It also has the potential to overthrow the civil authority and destroy democracy. ... How then do we manage the power of the armed services so that they do not threaten new-found freedom in Africa? How do we build and maintain stable civil-military relations which are consistent with democracy? ... While this principle is of cardinal importance, it ...
This paper argues that Pretoria has an ethical and legal obligation to respect human rights in the transfer of arms; that the sale of military equipment to Syria and Saudi Arabia would be in breach of official policy as approved by... more
This paper argues that Pretoria has an ethical and legal obligation to respect human rights in the transfer of arms; that the sale of military equipment to Syria and Saudi Arabia would be in breach of official policy as approved by Parliament; that this policy implies a general presumption against weapons exports to the Middle East; and that South Africa's interests are undermined by selling arms to countries embroiled in internal or external conflict.
Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.
This paper reviews preventive diplomacy by the United Nations, identifies the critical factors for success, and explores the links between operational conflict prevention and structural conflict prevention. It makes findings and... more
This paper reviews preventive diplomacy by the United Nations, identifies the critical factors for success, and explores the links between operational conflict prevention and structural conflict prevention. It makes findings and recommendations based on six case studies.
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This article addresses a major gap in the literature on international mediation by investigating the significance of the mediation mandate. It identifies different types of mediation mandate and examines their functions and effects. A... more
This article addresses a major gap in the literature on international mediation by investigating the significance of the mediation mandate. It identifies different types of mediation mandate and examines their functions and effects. A mandate issued by a multilateral organization serves as instructions to the mediator and sets the parameters of the process and outcome of peacemaking. It can therefore have a crucial impact on the orientation, trajectory and results of mediation. It can contribute to success by conferring legitimacy on the mediation and endowing the mediator with authority, status, and leverage. It can also impair the effectiveness of mediation by provoking tension between the mediating body and other multilateral organizations, the mediator and the conflict parties.
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Between November 2005 and May 2006 an African Union (AU) mediation team based in Abuja, with support from the UN, the US, the UK and other international partners, attempted to broker a comprehensive peace agreement between the Government... more
Between November 2005 and May 2006 an African Union (AU) mediation team based in Abuja, with support from the UN, the US, the UK and other international partners, attempted to broker a comprehensive peace agreement between the Government of Sudan and the two main rebel movements in Darfur, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). On 5 May the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) was endorsed by the Government and the SLM faction of Minni Arkou Minawi but rejected by ...
Abstract This article presents a critique of the influential econometric studies by Paul Collier and Anke Hoeffler on the causes of civil war. It argues that their research is filled with empirical. methodological and theoretical problems... more
Abstract This article presents a critique of the influential econometric studies by Paul Collier and Anke Hoeffler on the causes of civil war. It argues that their research is filled with empirical. methodological and theoretical problems that lead to unreliable results and unjustified conclusions. The article presents an overview of Collier & Hoeffler's method and findings and then discusses concerns about their inappropriate proxies. unsubstantiated explanations of results. and theoretical and analytical flaws that preclude an adequate ...
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... which have helped sharpen my thoughts: Daniel Bach, Morten Bøås, William Brown, Fantu Cheru, Christopher Clapham, Scarlett Cornelissen, Kevin Dunn, Kenneth Good, Anthony Leysens,Pamela Mbabazi, Gladys Mokhawa, Mpho Molomo, Xenia... more
... which have helped sharpen my thoughts: Daniel Bach, Morten Bøås, William Brown, Fantu Cheru, Christopher Clapham, Scarlett Cornelissen, Kevin Dunn, Kenneth Good, Anthony Leysens,Pamela Mbabazi, Gladys Mokhawa, Mpho Molomo, Xenia Ngwenya, Francis Nyamnjoh ...
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South Africa today is a society in transition, moving inexorably away from a notorious form of authoritarian rule. The situation is marked by intense turmoil as the major antagonists remain locked in struggle while the rules of the game... more
South Africa today is a society in transition, moving inexorably away from a notorious form of authoritarian rule. The situation is marked by intense turmoil as the major antagonists remain locked in struggle while the rules of the game change rapidly and fundamentally. The level of violence across the country, and the prospects for a negotiated end to minority rule are, simultaneously, greater than ever before.
Research Interests: Social Work and Peace
Abstract In late 2005 the African Union convened peace talks aimed at ending the conflict in Darfur. In May 2006 the Darfur Peace Agreement was signed by the Sudanese Government and one rebel faction, but rejected by the other rebel... more
Abstract In late 2005 the African Union convened peace talks aimed at ending the conflict in Darfur. In May 2006 the Darfur Peace Agreement was signed by the Sudanese Government and one rebel faction, but rejected by the other rebel groups. It did not achieve peace and in certain respects it heightened the conflict, partly because it was the product of a deeply flawed process: the Sudanese parties were unwilling to engage in negotiations and failed to forge agreements; the African Union and its international partners, desperate for a quick ...
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Research Interests: Anthropology and Africa
Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.
This article explores the inter-organizational tension and competition that frequently impair the effectiveness of international mediation in Africa. It examines the principle of subsidiarity as a basis for preventing and managing... more
This article explores the inter-organizational tension and competition that frequently impair the effectiveness of international mediation in Africa. It examines the principle of subsidiarity as a basis for preventing and managing disputes between the UN, the AU and the sub-regional bodies. Considerable support for this principle can be found in the UN Charter, AU policies and the scholarly literature. However, the article concludes that subsidiarity is not an appropriate institutional model for determining the nature of multilateral relations and the locus of decision-making authority in peacemaking on the continent. A model based on the principle of strategic partnership would be politically and organizationally more mature and productive.
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In the late 1970s the South African state and military began speaking of a'total onslaught'against the country and its inhabitants. According to Defence Minister General Magnus Malan in 1977, this onslaught'involves so many... more
In the late 1970s the South African state and military began speaking of a'total onslaught'against the country and its inhabitants. According to Defence Minister General Magnus Malan in 1977, this onslaught'involves so many different fronts, unknown to the ...
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This paper presents a comprehensive survey of African mediation in response to coups, identifying major trends and patterns between 2000 and 2015. It covers the location, dates and duration of the coups; comparative data from the 1990s;... more
This paper presents a comprehensive survey of African mediation in response to coups, identifying major trends and patterns between 2000 and 2015. It covers the location, dates and duration of the coups; comparative data from the 1990s; the frequency of mediation, sanctions and other external strategies intended to restore constitutional rule after a coup; the identity of the mediating bodies and lead mediators; the mediation outcomes; the relationship between mediation and the AU ban on coup legitimation; and the controversies surrounding many of the mediations. The most striking finding is that the mediator or mediating body made highly controversial decisions in over two-thirds of the mediated cases, often violating democratic principles and the ban on coup legitimation.
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The paper focuses on the question of whether the principle of subsidiarity could provide an appropriate guideline for establishing the order of precedence and locus of decision-making in African peacemaking and thereby avoid the problem... more
The paper focuses on the question of whether the principle of subsidiarity could provide an appropriate guideline for establishing the order of precedence and locus of decision-making in African peacemaking and thereby avoid the problem of inter-organisational tension and competition. The paper concludes that 'strategic partnership' is likely to be a more productive principle than subsidiarity.