National Dialogues: Overview
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an overview of the core elements to address when drafting provisions for a national dialogue. National dialogues, also referred to as popular consultations or national conferences, are processes in which representatives from various parties come together to discuss issues and challenges related to a political transition. National dialogues may be employed in a post-conflict transition to build confidence, increase participation, and forge consensus among national actors and civil society on important political, economic, or social decisions.
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USIP | National Dialogues: A Tool for conflict Transformation?
National dialogue is an increasingly popular tool for conflict resolution and political transformation. It can broaden debate regarding a country’s trajectory beyond the usual elite decision makers; however, it can also be misused and manipulated by leaders to consolidate their power. This brief includes principles to strengthen national dialogue processes and considerations for international actors seeking to support these processes.
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IPTI | Briefing Note: What Makes or Breaks National Dialogues?
This Briefing Note is the summary of a longer report, commissioned by the United Nations Department of Political Affairs. It is based on IPTI’s National Dialogues research project (2015 to 2017), which involved a comparative analysis of 17 cases of National Dialogues held between 1990 and 2014. The project aims to contribute to a better understanding of common features of National Dialogues, as well as the political and procedural factors and conditions that have enabled or constrained the negotiated outcomes of National Dialogues. It builds on previous case study research conducted in the framework of the Graduate Institute’s multi-year project, “Broadening Participation in Political Negotiations and Implementation”, which began in 2011.
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National Dialogues: Comparative State Practice
The purpose of this research note is to outline comparative state practice examples of national dialogues conducted after a conflict or national trauma.
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Implementing National Political Dialogue Outcomes: Comparative State Practice
The purpose of this memorandum is to compare how states implement national political dialogue outcomes. States create national political dialogues to foster inclusive dialogue processes during major political transitions. The outcomes of a dialogue processes often form the basis for a state’s new political structure or provide a framework for a new constitution. As such, the effective implementation of dialogue outcomes is critical for a successful transition. National political dialogue implementation mechanisms include legislation, presidential decrees, or constitutional mandates
Core Elements of Guarantees for Political Dialogue
The purpose of this memorandum is to identify the core elements of guarantees for political dialogue in peace and ceasefire agreements. Parties to peace negotiations seeking a national political dialogue and constitutional reform can include language in the agreement to help guarantee that the political dialogue takes place. Types of guarantees include: (1) general declarations of commitment, (2) timelines, (3) special preparatory commission, (4) agendas, (5) standards for participation, and (6) assistance by outside actors.
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Public input in National Political Dialogues: Comparative State Practice
The purpose of this memorandum is to identify and analyze methods that states have used to facilitate public participation in national political dialogues.