Revisiting the "Ripeness" Debate

This book takes stock of the accumulated body of literature on ripeness theory, inspired by the seminal work of I. William Zartman. The book posits the continued relevance of the ripeness theory, well into the 21st century and sheds new light on the potential for further development.

Foreword PART 1 - Revisiting the "Ripeness" Debate 1. War-Making and Mediation in Civil Wars: Three Ideal Types of Third Parties and Ripeness Concepts 2. Elusive Settlements in Regional Conflict Complexes: Syria, Zartman, and the Limits of Ripeness Theory 3. Healing Stalemates: The Role of Ceasefires in Ripening Conflict 4. Muscular Mediation and Ripeness Theory 5. Ripeness in Negotiating with Proscribed Terrorist Groups 6. Expanding Ripeness Beyond Push and Pull: The Relevance of Mutually Enticing Opportunities (MEOs) Part 2 - Important Works on Ripeness 7. The Timing of Peace Initiatives: Hurting Stalemates and Ripe Moments 8. Battle Stalemates and Rebel Negotiation Attempts in Civil Wars 9. Sympathy for the Devil: When and How to Negotiate with Criminal Gangs-Case of El Salvador 10. When to Get Out of the Trench? Using Smart Pressure to Resolve Civil Wars