Biruk Alemu

Education: Majoring in Political Science
Mentor: Andrew Long, Ph.D.
Project: Diplomacy by Proxy: Importance of Balance in Creating Strong Agreements

This paper examines the complex dynamics of civil war mediation, focusing on how "weak" but "credible" mediators can achieve strong peace agreements with the strategic backing of "capable" international powers. Through a qualitative single-case study of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended the second Sudanese civil war, this research investigates the balance between the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)'s regional credibility and the United States' capability. The analysis demonstrates that the CPA's success was due to a delicate balance where U.S. leverage was applied indirectly to support IGAD's impartiality, thereby reassuring warring parties to comply. The study affirms the CPA as a strong agreement, evidenced by its comprehensive and detailed protocols addressing root causes, clear implementation guidelines, and robust security arrangements. Crucially, it argues that the CPA's strength derived from the United States' vital yet non-excessive involvement, allowing the lead mediator, General Lazaro Sumbeiywo, to maintain IGAD's neutrality despite external pressures. This case study illustrates diplomacy by proxy, emphasizing that while capable international actors are essential for initiating and enforcing peace, the long-term success of agreements relies on credible mediators preserving their independence and fostering trust among conflicting parties. These insights offer valuable lessons for future civil war mediations, underscoring the critical importance of balancing power and credibility for enduring peace.