Barriers for peace mediators when shifting to an online environment : a case study of the UN in Yemen

Abstract: This research focuses on the opportunities and barriers of virtual peace diplomacy,examining the different aspects of this approach and analyzing its potential impact on thepeace process. In an era where conflicts have evolved into new forms of warfare, thecomplexities of mediation have intensified. Furthermore, the advent of the COVID-19pandemic, together with the widespread availability of digital tools, has transformed peacediplomacy and, therefore, the role of mediators. The research aims to discover whatinfluences the changing environment surrounding peace processes has on peace negotiationand how mediators can adapt most effectively to that environment. This will be done bylooking at all the tracks introduced by the Multi-Track Diplomacy Framework, whereby thedifference in approaches between the tracks will be highlighted. The research will provide anin-depth analysis of the complications regarding virtual trust-building in peace negotiationsin the context of Yemen. This is facilitated by previous peace attempts by the UN in Yemenand by examining the current landscape in Yemen.