Middle Powers and the Future of Mediation: Rethinking Peacemaking in a Fragmented World
Presented by the Office of the Dean, Carter School
The webinar will explore the growing role of middle powers in mediation and peacemaking at a time when traditional multilateral mechanisms are increasingly strained by geopolitical polarization, declining trust, and institutional fragmentation. In particular, we want to ask whether middle powers are simply filling diplomatic gaps left by major powers and international institutions, or whether they are beginning to reshape the practice of mediation itself.
The event will bring together senior practitioners, diplomats, and scholars and is being organized under the framework of the Carter School’s role as Chair of the UN Academic Impact SDG16 Hub.
Speakers:
- Alpaslan Özerdem, Dean, Carter School
- Ellen Laipson, Director, International Security Program, George Mason University
- José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Nobel Peace Laureate
- Ambassador Alp Ay, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Karim Soumana, International Crisis Group
- Will Davis, Director, UN Information Center, Washington, DC
