Logic Behind Track Two Diplomacy in Managing Intractable Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The dynamics and causes of conflicts in the twenty-first century are many and multifaceted. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the rationale behind Track Two diplomacy in resolving intractable conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The research design was based on Structural Functionalism theory and had a case study research design. The sample population was those experts in foreign relations, security, and development. Qualitative responses were collected through the purposive sampling method, providing more in-depth information and more accurate research results. A key informant interview guide was used to gather primary data, and books, journals, and periodicals were used to acquire secondary data. The research conclusion is provided in the form of a narrative. The study determined that Track Two diplomacy offered an avenue of communication other than the official one, which entails unofficial dialogue or informal communication that may prove vital in managing an intractable conflict, as was experienced in the Congo. This paper, therefore, concludes that there is a Track Two diplomacy option that can be employed to deal with intractable conflicts in the Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This outcome is only possible when some particular problems are resolved, like finding adequate funds and organizing the Track Two projects into the formal peace frameworks. In this study, the researcher suggests that the interested parties should endow Track Two diplomacy, should be adequately resourced, should be aligned with formal diplomacy, and should also be sensitive to matters of local context to be effective in dealing with intractable conflicts.