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F

Facilitation

A process by which an impartial third party manages an interactive exchange between people who are meeting for a common purpose. The facilitator does not intervene in the substance of the issues at stake but manages the process. Often used as a synonym for mediation, some scholars say that facilitation is different from mediation with regard to the number of participants, the complexity of the issues, the interest of the various parties, the openness of the process and the degree of prior commitment of the parties to engage in a negotiation process.


Fact Finding

An investigation of a dispute by an impartial third party that examines the issues and facts in the case and may issue a report and recommended settlement (for example, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia established by the Council of the European Union). A related term is Commission of Inquiry (for example, the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur established by the United Nations).


Failed State

The inability of a nation-state to provide its citizens basic necessities because of the effects of war or other destabilizing crises. Refer not only to a nation-state’s inability to provide services and security but also to its unwillingness to meet such responsibilities.

State failure can be attributable to numerous factors, including corruption, mismanagement of institutions, weak political processes, overwhelming security or criminal threats beyond the capacities of a government, and external interventions aimed at destabilization. A failed state is different from a ‘collapsed state’, though the two are commonly confused.

Fasting

Refusing to eat as a method of self-purification to be spiritually strengthened for nonviolent action, or as a protest.


Feminism

Refers to the emancipatory project for women and pertains to the pursuit of equity between men and women.


Force

The application or threat of coercion within the context of international relations.

In physical terms, the use of force is usually associated with military weapons and personnel.

Fragility/Fragile State

The term fragility can refer to humans, states, or the environment. A fragile state typically suffers from weak authority, legitimacy, and capacity.