Reflections on 'directed' conciliation in a conflict prevention perspective

From the standpoint of conflict prevention, the different means of settlement of international disputes have not the same impact and importance. After having considered the inadequacy of judicial settlement as an instrument of preventing violent conflict, as well as benefits and disadvantages of merely transactional methods of settlement (such as negotiation or mediation), this article focuses on the opportunities offered by international conciliation and, in particular, on the method of ‘directed’ conciliation in the context of international regional organizations concerned with the maintenance of peace and security (e.g. OSCE). It also suggests the possible enhancement of ‘directed’ conciliation within the United Nations as a means for preventing violent conflict and revitalizing the Security Council’s Conciliatory function.