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Abstract

Shuttle diplomacy is a distinctive form of international negotiation in which an intermediary, often a third-party mediator, travels between conflicting parties to facilitate communication and help resolve disputes. This study aims to comprehensively explore shuttle diplomacy as an effective mechanism for conflict resolution in global diplomacy. It examines the historical evolution of shuttle diplomacy, starting from its early use by figures like Henry Kissinger during the 1970s Middle East peace process, to its application in contemporary international conflicts. The paper analyses key case studies, including its use in the Iran nuclear negotiations, Sudan-South Sudan conflict and the Brexit. Through a detailed review of various diplomatic engagements, the study highlights the strengths of shuttle diplomacy, particularly its ability to bridge communication gaps, reduce direct confrontation, and maintain a neutral stance. Adopting the negotiation theoretical framework of international relations which emphasizes the pivotal role of negotiation processes in shaping global interactions and the descriptive research design method, the paper finds that third-party mediation, sequential negotiations, confidence-building measures are some of the strategies and tools being employed in successful shuttle diplomacy. The study concludes that shuttle diplomacy has been of essence as an important instrument in solving conflict because of the barriers that exists between conflicting states. The study thereby recommends the strengthening of cultural proficiency, investment in mechanisms for trust-building , and engagement of local stakeholders for policymakers and practitioners on improving shuttle diplomacy strategies.

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