The significance of context, history, memory, and technical aspects is highlighted in Ambassador (Retd) KP Fabian's review of how the
Syrian conflict was handled — a conclusion that is also reflected in Ambassador (Retd) Salman Haidar's compara*ve analysis of how
conflict diplomacy played out in India's experiences with China and Pakistan. Both Asanga Abeyagoonasekera and Brendan
McAllister, in their analyses of Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland, respec*vely, draw from their experiences to illustrate how post-
conflict diplomacy and reconcilia*on efforts at a domes*c level are equally important factors influencing the trajectory of the conflict.
Lastly, but cri*cally, Professor Monica McWilliams provides an assessment of perhaps the most underrated element in conflict
diplomacy, peace-building and reconcilia*on: how experiences of conflicts are decidedly gendered in nature. She explains the need
for women's par*cipa*on in conflict resolu*on and post-conflict policymaking in leadership roles, and highlights successful
interven*on by women resul*ng in sound post-conflict policies (such as in Colombia).
A globalised world has significantly reduced a state's capacity to insulate itself from external shocks in far off regions—thus
necessita*ng knowledge and capacity-building on preven*ve diplomacy (and on "media*ve diplomacy" as Brendan McAllister
iden*fies). Yet, the same globalisa*on also provides a unique opportunity to facilitate cross-sec*onal conversa*