This book examines which characteristics allow a non-state armed actor to be considered an effective diplomatic actor for the purpose of meaningful peace settlement.
This book examines which characteristics allow a non-state armed actor to be considered an effective diplomatic actor for the purpose of a meaningful peace settlement.
The work demonstrates how such characteristics can potentially contribute to a more successful outcome in peacemaking initiatives with non-state armed actors, and how their absence can become a peril for peace. Addressing a gap in the diplomatic studies literature, the book is concerned with defining, characterising and categorising the effectiveness of diplomatic actors. It argues that the critical characteristics are autonomy, organisational coherence and representativeness, all of which non-state armed actors need to possess to a sufficient degree if they are to engage in meaningful negotiations which could lead to a sustainable peace settlement. The empirical data are drawn from analysis of the diplomatic engagements with the Khmer Rouge that led to 1991 Paris Peace Agreements in relation to the Cambodian conflict and from exploration of the difficulties experienced in attempting to negotiate a peace settlement with the Taliban in Afghanistan. The book’s detailed analysis of these two case studies demonstrates the value of the diplomatic actors’ framework.
This book will be of much interest to students of diplomacy studies, peace studies, Asian studies and international relations.
Arvustused
Farkhondeh Akbaris powerful study is indispensable for any diplomats seeking to engage meaningfully with armed non-state actors. Using the sobering cases of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the Taliban in Afghanistan, she demonstrates that unless such groups have a sufficient degree of autonomy, organisational coherence, and representativeness, commitments that they make in peace settlement negotiations may unravel spectacularly, with potentially disastrous effects.
William Maley, Emeritus Professor, The Australian National University
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Theories of Actors in Diplomacy
Chapter 3: Theories of Peace Settlements
Chapter 4: Diplomatic Actors
Framework
Chapter 5: Diplomatic Challenges with the Khmer Rouge
Chapter 6:
Diplomatic Challenges with the Taliban
Chapter 7: Conclusion
Farkhondeh Akbari is a Research Fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW) at Monash University. She holds a PhD in Diplomatic Studies from the Australian National University and has published extensively on inclusive peace, diplomatic engagement, and feminist foreign policy. She is co-author of Women, Peace, and Security in Afghanistan and co-editor of Mapping Futures for Afghanistan (Routledge, 2025). She also leads a grassroots organisation in Afghanistan empowering women, girls, and marginalised communities through education and employment to drive peace and social change.
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