The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination convened a workshop, “Crisis Diplomacy: The Cases of Syria and Iran,” November 9-11, 2012 at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, Austria. This workshop was co-sponsored by the Government of Austria and the Government of Liechtenstein. It was funded in part by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

The workshop focused on four critical issues: the current state of and developments related to the Syrian crisis; the Iranian nuclear question; the emergent effects of both crises on the neighborhood and macro region; and tools to ameliorate and anticipate developments in order to create stability and reduce possible escalation. Discussions addressed the challenges at hand, identified key actors, and searched for ways to establish a ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance and negotiations, and promote stability for the countries in question as well as the wider region.

The workshop built on discussions that took place at the Liechtenstein Colloquium, "Crisis Diplomacy from the Mediterranean to the Hindu Kush," held in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein in April 2012, and at a special workshop on Syria and Iran held at Princeton University in September 2012.

This event was private, off the record, and by invitation only. A report of policy recommendations generated at the workshop will be published.