Introduction
While international mediation theory remains one of the tools for peace processes, the possibility of peace agreements resulting from its process to resolve conflicts from their root causes and prevent conflict recurrence in conflict-affected states in the post-mediation phase has failed to lead to long-lasting peace in Africa. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), known as ‘Industry 4.0,’ alters people’s interactions, activities, and mental and reasoning capacities. The 4IR is about more than just technology-driven change. It presents enormous opportunities that enable people, grassroots, middle-range, and top leaders and policymakers to use digital technologies to create inclusivity that promotes a successful international mediation process that leads to sustainable peace. This is because applying 4IR technologies to international mediation theory can change people’s views of the world surrounding them and their identities, increase ownership, and restructure their communication patterns, thus serving as conflict prevention mechanisms. Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and data analytics, Virtual Reality (VR), and Robotics are among the leading technologies driving contemporary 4IR technologies. While these digital technologies are helpful in international mediation processes, when misused, they can exacerbate civil wars and make them intractable. Appropriately used, these technologies such as VR, Blockchain, or specific subfields of AI, such as machine learning, are significant and critical for conflict prevention and international mediation initiatives. They can assist in conflict analysis and strengthen communication channels with conflict parties. They also increase inclusivity and improve public communication strategies needed to conduct a successful international mediation process.
The 4IR technologies are becoming increasingly relevant in peace processes. However, the question is whether Africa can seize these technologies' opportunities in her quest for Pax Africana (a long-lasting peace protected and maintained by Africans themselves). Applying 4IR technologies to international mediation theory, mainly to the peace process, facilitates more accessible access to the volume and speed of information flows, allowing multiple mediators to engage with conflict parties during an international mediation process initiative. Machine learning, one of many subfields of AI used in peace processes, has potential applications in conflict resolution, improving mediation process efficiency by making analytical processes faster, smarter, and cheaper and generating behavioral predictions that could make long-term peace a reality. Therefore, 4IR technologies promote international mediation theory in four areas: conflict analysis and prevention, engagement with conflict parties, confidence and inclusivity, and healthy communications.