THE ROLE OF REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN CONFLICT SETTINGS: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON THE ROLE OF OAS, ASEAN, SAARC, AU, EU, PIF

Abstract

After the process of de-colonization and the end of the Cold War there was a shift in the international arena as the states were provided with more autonomy. Such changes were followed by the increased role of regional organizations as important actors in international relations, and more specifically in peace and security spectrum. This has brought the importance of evaluating the role these organizations have had in conflict handling processes such as prevention, management, settlement and peacebuilding. Therefore, this study will compare the involvement of seven regional organizations, OAS, ASEAN, SAARC, AU, EU, PIF and ECOWAS in conflict settings within their respective regions. The study will conduct a comparative analysis using qualitative research methods from existing books, handbooks, research papers etc. A large N study will be conducted by taking the cases of two conflicts within each region studied. The purpose of the study will be to find out which of the conflict handling processes, tools or mechanisms were used by the regional organizations in handling those conflicts, and whether the final outcome has been successful.