Back-channel negotiations: a comparative analysis of the Oslo- and the Northern Ireland Peace Processes

This thesis examines back-channel negotiations emphasizing the role of secrecy in international negotiations of conflict resolution. In first place I discuss the phenomenon of secret diplomacy. Secret diplomacy is examined through a historical overview focusing on its evolution and the related contemporary challenges that it must face. In secret diplomacy a frequently employed method is back-channel negotiation. By definition back-channel negotiations are negotiations performed in secret between two or more conflicting parties with the purpose to solve a dispute. In general decision-makers decide to engage in covert communication channel in order to reach breakthrough agreements in cases of serious, often ongoing conflicts. Back-Channel negotiation cases are examined via comparative approach on the basis of academic studies and articles. Following the analysis conducted on a case by case basis, comparison is drawn between the recent cases of back-channels operated during the Oslo Peace Process and the Northern Ireland Peace Process. The research aims to find answer to the following question: how does back-channel shape peace processes? Accordingly, the research is focused on the balance between the practical advantages and disadvantages arisen from the utilization of back-channel.