High-level panels as diplomatic instruments: the African Union panel of the wise and the emergence of an African Peace Diplomacy Architecture
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Date
2016
Authors
Jo-Ansie, Van Wyk
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
High-level panels are institutionalized diplomatic instruments comprising high-profile and respected
individuals to address a particular issue. Building on traditional and contemporary institutions in
recognizing the Wise or Elderly as diplomats, the African Union Panel of the Wise is one of the five
pillars of the African Peace and Security Architecture – and thus peace diplomacy – in terms of Article
11 of the African Union (AU) Protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council. This research
analyses the Panel’s contribution to African diplomacy by focusing on the Panel’s knowledge production;
its normative and operational impact; raising awareness and agenda setting; the Panel’s innovation in
respect of conflict resolution and governance; and the prevention and reduction of conflict in Africa.
The research concludes that, despite some contribution to African diplomacy, efforts to prevent and
reduce African conflicts have been influenced by the Panel’s mandate, processes, and contextual factors.
This notwithstanding, the Panel’s contribution to an emergent African Peace Diplomacy Architecture
is recognised.
Description
Keywords
African Union, African Peace Diplomacy Architecture (APDA), Diplomacy, High-level panel, Preventive diplomacy, Panel of the Wise
Citation
Van Wyk, J. A. (2016). High-level panels as diplomatic instruments: the African union panel of the wise and the emergence of an African Peace Diplomacy Architecture. Journal for Contemporary History, 41(1), 57-69.