Abstract

Responsive governance theory commends a sequencing architecture, where escalation up a pyramid occurs after collaboration failure at lower layers. Intervention costs at each layer of a peacemaking pyramid mean that war becomes more burdensome as extra layers of escalation accumulate. When collaboration swings into action at the highest levels of the pyramid, belligerents can move back down the pyramid toward hybrid architectures of peace with elements learnt from different layers of the sequenced process. One responsive pyramid for Israel-Palestine starts at the base with Track II dialogue of diverse civil society engagement, followed by dialogue toward a two-state peace, then escalation to one-state dialogue, then novel hybrids. The idea is to persuade supporters of two- and one-state solutions to commit to giving both approaches better chances to succeed because ultimate escalation to progressively severe international sanctions are worse outcomes for all sides.

Keywords: Peacemaking, Israel, Palestine, Responsive regulation