Research and Analysis

Pursuing transboundary environmental cooperation for peace carries the capacity to enhance interstate dialogue and diplomatic progress. As part of MEDRC’s Stabilization Mechanism Project, Pieces of Peace explores the dimensions surrounding transboundary environmental issues and peacebuilding.

The potential of transboundary environmental issues as vehicles for peace initiatives in a conflict between two or more countries is often advanced in the form of international declarations, guiding principles, treaties, shared management, or resilient diplomatic contact. The advancement of practical and replicable mechanisms in international relations to actualize the potential of transboundary environmental issues in the service of positive peace processes is, however, rare. The majority of existing institutional mechanisms center on geographical, basin-related, and national political interests and needs. Few institutional mechanisms have emerged as model organizations that effectively advance positive peace processes alongside more technically-driven modalities of cooperation. The Case Study Briefs explore the potential of the MEDRC model as a resilient model for multilateralism on transboundary environmental issues in the service of a peace process.