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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.
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 is 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.
List of contents
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
About the author
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.
