As approaching 21st century and various modernisation has landed which spark various disputes on international platform. The settlement of international disputes has evolved significantly, influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from technological advancements to shifts in diplomatic practices and the resolution of settlement of dispute cornerstone for fostering peace, stability and cooperation among nation. Apart from judicial process there are other prominent means to resolve disputes.

Diplomatic Negotiation

In a framework of international order that is recognised by sovereign states, diplomatic negotiation is the exchange of concessions and compensations. A peaceful procedure like this can only succeed if the opposing parties can find enough points of agreement. In simple form it is peaceful discussion and dialogue between nation to promote peaceful method to resolve disputes.

In 2015, the Iran nuclear deal officially known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated and set up as prominent example of diplomatic negotiation. In this instance, diplomacy proved to be effective in resolving intricate geopolitical concerns when Iran consented to restrict its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions.

Mediation and Arbitration

Mediation is a way to mend relationships when there is a disagreement at work and Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute is submitted, by agreement of the parties, to one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the disputeThe growth of mediation and arbitration as alternative ways to resolve disputes has offered parties flexible and confidential options for solving conflicts outside of the typical legal setting.

These approaches provide benefits such as customized solutions, faster resolution times, and maintaining important relationships among countries. An example of arbitration is the conflict over softwood timber that exists between the United States and Canada. Under the rules of the Softwood Lumber Agreement, both nations came to a binding arbitration settlement in 2006, therefore ending a protracted trade dispute through an impartial third-party arbitration procedure.

International Courts and tribunals

The utilization of international courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), is increasing, offering legal avenues for resolving disputes between countries and bringing individuals to justice for international offenses. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) case Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro is a prominent example. Bosnia and Herzegovina claimed in this case that Serbia had carried out genocide in the course of the Bosnian War (1992–1995). The International Court of Justice's 2007 ruling recognised that genocide had taken place in Srebrenica in 1995 and blamed Serbia for its inability to stop it.

Multi-Stakeholder Approaches

There is a growing focus on engaging various stakeholders, including governments, non-state actors, and civil society organizations, in addressing intricate global conflicts, like those pertaining to climate change or human rights. The multi-stakeholder approach to conflict resolution is best illustrated by the climate change agreement in Paris. The agreement, which was adopted in 2015, encompasses almost all nations as well as non-state actors like corporations, NGOs, and local governments. It places a strong emphasis on group responsibility and cooperative action in tackling the global issue of climate change.

Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)

As society becomes more digital, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) methods are becoming more popular for solving conflicts that occur online, such as e-commerce disagreements, intellectual property disputes, and issues related to cyber security and data privacy. The Arbitration and Mediation Centre of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) provides a forum for online intellectual property dispute resolution. Parties can effectively settle patent, trademark, and copyright issues through WIPO's ODR procedures without having to hold in-person hearings, which saves time and money.

Normative Shifts

The significance of international law, norms, and principles in resolving conflicts and advancing human rights, environmental protection, and the rule of law is increasingly acknowledged. The International Criminal Court's (ICC) Prosecutor v. Lubanga case illustrates a normative movement towards responsibility for transnational crimes. When warlord Thomas Lubanga of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was found guilty in 2012 of enlisting and conscripting child soldiers in the Ituri region of the DRC, it was a major step forward for the international community's commitment to prosecuting those accountable for serious human rights violations.

Hybrid Mechanisms

Certain disputes necessitate a combination of traditional diplomacy, legal mechanisms, and alternative dispute resolution methods for effective resolution. A prime example of a hybrid strategy to conflict resolution is the 2005 signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan. In order to resolve the protracted conflict between the Sudanese government and rebel groups in Southern Sudan, the agreement combined elements of traditional diplomacy, legal frameworks, and mediation efforts by regional and international actors. This ultimately resulted in South Sudan's independence in 2011.

Conclusion
In the 21st century, the resolution of global conflicts involves a dynamic mix of diplomacy, law, and technology. With the world facing more intricate problems like climate change and cyber security, the importance of creative and cooperative methods for resolving conflicts is becoming increasingly clear. By accepting these new trends and adjusting to the changing international landscape, countries can strive to promote increased stability, peace, and collaboration on a global scale.

References:

• United Nations. (2015). Treaty Series, vol. 2234, p. 319. [Iran Nuclear Deal - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]
• U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. (2006). [Softwood Lumber Agreement]
• International Court of Justice. (2007). General List No. 91. [Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro - ICJ Case]
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2015). FCCC/CP/2015/L.9/Rev.1. [Paris Agreement on Climate Change]
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Arbitration and Mediation Center. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/center/online.html
• International Criminal Court. (2012). Case No. ICC-01/04-01/06. [ICC Prosecutor v. Lubanga Case]
• United Nations Security Council. (2005). S/RES/1590. [Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan]
• United Nations General Assembly. (2016). A/RES/71/1. [Agenda for Sustainable Development - 2030 Agenda]
• World Trade Organization. (1995). Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. [WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding]
• Hague Conference on Private International Law. (2002). Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters.