Ceasefire Presence, Peace Absence

This book reveals why long-standing ceasefires, despite extensive diplomatic efforts, often fail to transition into sustainable peace settlements. It does so by presenting a comparative analysis of two protracted conflicts: the Korean Peninsula and Nagorno-Karabakh. It adopts a novel post-ceasefire lens that focuses on the critical “in-between” phase rather than conflict outbreak or peace agreement negotiation. The study is also innovative in that it presents a rare cross-regional comparative framework highlighting structural parallels despite different geopolitical, cultural, and historical contexts. The book draws from international relations theory, conflict resolution, security studies, and regional politics, providing a robust interdisciplinary framework that offers unique insights. These theoretical perspectives are further enriched by the author's firsthand experiences in Track Two and Track Three diplomacy in the regions under study. The research ultimately translates theoretical findings into practical recommendations for diplomats and mediators engaged in protracted peace processes, addressing the timely challenge of frozen conflicts in an era of renewed great-power rivalry. This work will be of interest to scholars, academics and advanced students in the fields of International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Security Studies, while also serving as a valuable resource for diplomats, peacebuilding professionals, and advanced undergraduate researchers exploring protracted conflicts and mediation practices.