‘Rise of non-state actors is shaping global diplomacy’

International dignitaries and experts have underscored the significant role of non-state actors, as well as innovative approaches in conflict resolution, shedding light on the evolving nature of diplomacy in addressing modern conflicts.The high-level panel titled ‘Conflict Resolution and Mediation in an Age of Non-State Actors and Fragmented Power’ was held on the sidelines of the Global Security Forum (GSF 2025). The National Interest Editor at Large, Steve Clemons, moderated the discussion, which tackled several challenges that traditional multilateral institutions face.Former US ambassador to six countries, Ryan Crocker, emphasised the waning influence of traditional US-led international institutions, saying, "The post-war US-designed and led order that has persisted for 80 years is no longer what it was a year ago.”Crocker said, "The US is clearly withdrawing from the global arena, both politically and financially, with great consequences for organisations like the UN and the International Committee for the Red Cross, where the US has long been the predominant funder, and I think with huge implications for global stability.”Pekka Haavisto, Finland’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the increasing difficulties in multilateral diplomacy, pointing to the UN as an example of an institution that is struggling to address global crises."When speaking about state and non-state actors, I want to recognise the important role of Qatar as a state actor in making peace in Gaza and trying to release the hostages and so forth, so state actors have not entirely disappeared. But I think we are coming to a world where our multilateral system is not working."But we are in a world where initiatives and the NGO and the private sector’s role can be very crucial in building the peace and having, maybe, the first contacts also with different actors in the world theatre,” Haavisto explained.Reflecting on her experiences during negotiations with the Taliban, Fawzia Koofi, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Afghanistan, emphasised the importance of non-state actors in conflict mediation."The role of non-state actors, civil society, influencers, social media, media, [and] political groups...are crucially important,” said Koofi, who also praised Qatar’s ability to bring inclusivity to negotiations, explaining that "the soft power of small states like Qatar and how important [a] role they played in creating that process” serves as an example for others.Dr Khalid al-Khulaifi, senior expert at the Doha-based Centre for International Policy Research (CIPR), emphasised that adaptability is key to modern mediation efforts. "The fragility of the conflict is no longer the traditional understanding of what a conflict is,” pointed out al-Khulaifi, highlighting Qatar’s approach to inclusivity and explaining that effective mediation requires "finding the right path to tackle it, [and] understand each perspective.”