A new approach to diplomacy has emerged as countries like Norway and Qatar recognize mediation as a core instrument of security policy. No longer seen as merely a moral option, mediation is now viewed as a strategic necessity in the face of increasingly complex conflicts.
The stakes are high, with conflicts no longer contained within borders but rather having far-reaching global consequences. The battlefield may be local, but its impact can be felt across continents. In this environment, diplomacy is not just about symbolic gestures or public rituals but about strategic responsibility.
Stability is achieved through mediation by providing access, credibility, and the capacity to engage adversaries in political dialogue even when trust has collapsed. This approach is not without its challenges, but it offers a more effective means of preventing conflicts from escalating into global crises.
Mediation's value lies in its ability to disrupt the cycle of escalation before it can reach catastrophic levels. Norway and Qatar's experiences in mediating conflicts such as those in Gaza, Sudan, the Great Lakes, and the Sahel demonstrate that this approach can lead to lasting peace and stability.
However, the path forward requires significant investment in mediation early on, rather than waiting until crises have unfolded. International law must also be adhered to, with humanitarian access being non-negotiable. Verification mechanisms must be built into every ceasefire, and mediators themselves must be protected from disinformation and polarization.
The world has a choice: continue down the path of escalating conflicts or invest in peace as a preventative measure. The consequences of inaction are dire, with humanitarian systems reaching breaking points and millions of young people inheriting conflicts they did not start.
Mediation is not just what we do when all else fails; it is what prevents everything else from failing. As the Security Council has reaffirmed its commitment to mediation, the value of peace will be measured in stability, safety, and economic security in 2026. The choice is clear: learn from 2025 or repeat the mistakes of the past.
In a world where conflicts are increasingly interconnected, Norway and Qatar's approach offers a beacon of hope for a more peaceful future. By recognizing mediation as a core instrument of security policy, we can work towards creating a world that learns from its mistakes and invests in peace rather than waiting for disruption to seek us out.
The stakes are high, with conflicts no longer contained within borders but rather having far-reaching global consequences. The battlefield may be local, but its impact can be felt across continents. In this environment, diplomacy is not just about symbolic gestures or public rituals but about strategic responsibility.
Stability is achieved through mediation by providing access, credibility, and the capacity to engage adversaries in political dialogue even when trust has collapsed. This approach is not without its challenges, but it offers a more effective means of preventing conflicts from escalating into global crises.
Mediation's value lies in its ability to disrupt the cycle of escalation before it can reach catastrophic levels. Norway and Qatar's experiences in mediating conflicts such as those in Gaza, Sudan, the Great Lakes, and the Sahel demonstrate that this approach can lead to lasting peace and stability.
However, the path forward requires significant investment in mediation early on, rather than waiting until crises have unfolded. International law must also be adhered to, with humanitarian access being non-negotiable. Verification mechanisms must be built into every ceasefire, and mediators themselves must be protected from disinformation and polarization.
The world has a choice: continue down the path of escalating conflicts or invest in peace as a preventative measure. The consequences of inaction are dire, with humanitarian systems reaching breaking points and millions of young people inheriting conflicts they did not start.
Mediation is not just what we do when all else fails; it is what prevents everything else from failing. As the Security Council has reaffirmed its commitment to mediation, the value of peace will be measured in stability, safety, and economic security in 2026. The choice is clear: learn from 2025 or repeat the mistakes of the past.
In a world where conflicts are increasingly interconnected, Norway and Qatar's approach offers a beacon of hope for a more peaceful future. By recognizing mediation as a core instrument of security policy, we can work towards creating a world that learns from its mistakes and invests in peace rather than waiting for disruption to seek us out.