Examining the Extent to Which Successful Diplomacy Relies on Ripeness - A Case of the 2011 Libyan Uprising and the 2008 Djibouti? Eritrean Border Dispute

This paper explored the extent to which successful diplomacy relies on the concept of ripeness by reviewing relevant literature. In view of determining the extent to which successful diplomacy relies on the concept of ripeness, the 2011 Libyan uprising and the 2008 Djibouti-Eritrean border dispute were analysed. The conclusion is that, sometimes, the two concepts that underpin the consolidated theory of ripeness may not necessarily hold. As seen in the Djibouti- Eritrean border conflict, sometimes, readiness is achieved not because the parties conclude they have reached the mutual hurting stalemate but because the mediator points this out and through one of the conflicting party's motivation and optimism (willingness). This shows that parties may not reach ripeness or readiness at the same time.