This study maps 25 conflicts in which the Åland example has been used and analyses eight of them in more depth. It discusses the questions of where, when, how, why, and by whom the Åland example has been used in conflict resolution efforts around the world as well as what has been of interest.
The in-depth analysis of eight cases (Corsica, Gagauzia, Cyprus, Kashmir, Mindanao, Northern Ireland, Tamil Eelam, and Transdniestria) confirmed the conclusions from previous research that there has been an interest in all three of the main components of the Åland example, i.e., autonomy, cultural protection, and demilitarisation. This study also confirms that the idea of the usage of the Åland example is closely linked to the idea of using autonomy as a tool for conflict resolution, and indeed, the autonomy system is also what has attracted the most interest.
It was found that the usage of the Åland example has seven different functions in conflict resolution. It has worked as 1) An incitement to start a peace process or a stimulus for a stalled process, 2) As an argument to promote the cause of conflict actors, 3) As a conflict map - a list of problems and their potential solutions, 4) As content provider - models for how systems and institutions can be designed and work in practice, 5) A safe and neutral meeting place 6) To illustrate norms, values, and, principles that are considered crucial for successful conflict resolution, and finally, 7) As a tool for conflict transformation at a conflict or an individual level.
The findings in this study support the conclusion that ‘model’ is not an appropriate word to capture all the functions of Åland in conflict resolution processes. Åland is, at times, used as a model, illustrating the specific design of a certain system or certain institutions, however, the term ‘model’ cannot include a significant number of other functions Åland has had in conflict resolution. The conclusion is then that Åland is in fact used both as a model and as an example, and that the concept of ‘the Åland example’ can be used to cover them both.