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.

The timing of efforts for resolution, either negotiation or mediation, is always a central concern for policy makers and scholars alike in the field of international conflict resolution. The work of I. William Zartman on ripeness was a groundbreaker in the long-standing inquiry into this key question, and over more than three decades, the notion of a ripe moment and its adjuncts, such as a mutually hurting stalemate and a mutually enticing opportunity, has not only served as an essential policy guidance but also inspired wide-ranging research programs. The chapters in this edited volume feature studies intended to advance ripeness theory conceptually, test it empirically through case studies for possible implications to the theory itself, or examine relations with related concepts and theories.

This volume is divided into two parts. The Foreword and the chapters included in Part I were originally published as a special issue of the journal Ethnopolitics. Part II features, first and foremost, Zartman’s own seminal article published in the inaugural issue of the same journal. It also includes other recently published articles in journals such as Security Studies, Civil Wars, and Studies in Conflict & Terrorism that are considered to have made important contributions to the debate on the subject.