Mediation is the first step towards many conflict resolution processes. Yet, key aspects on the circumstances of mediation processes and the role of the mediator herself are still disputed. This paper seeks to examine the role of mediation within the field of conflict resolution and its implications on durable peace. Furthermore, mediation will be put in relation to the spoiler concept and deriving consequences are discussed.
The role of mediation is described very differently throughout the literature, depending on the focus of analysis and pre-assumptions on what mediation is, how it works, and what the ultimate goals are. On the one hand, we see scholars framing mediation entirely as a conflict resolution enterprise, whereas others understand mediation as a tool for conflict management and transformation. Research on different levels of mediation like the international states sphere, the intra-state environment, or local mediation has elevated different findings on when mediation is successful and when it is not.
Therefore, it will be clarified in the first place what understandings of mediation we face in research and how these interpretations relate to each other. In a next step, it will be discussed why mediation is important and what theoretical problems are met by the tool. Afterwards, the paper will focus on the conditions of mediation and their positive and negative effects on the process of conflict resolution. Finally, the spoiler concept will be introduced and compared to mediation.
Table of Contents
1. Intro
2. Defining Mediation
3. Mediation’s Utility
4. Conditions of Mediation
5. Mediating with Spoilers
6. Conclusion
7. Additional References
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the multifaceted role of mediation within the field of conflict resolution, focusing on its ability to address commitment and information problems between belligerent parties and its interaction with the spoiler concept to achieve durable peace.
- Theoretical definitions and understandings of mediation
- Mediation as a mechanism to overcome commitment and information problems
- Critical conditions for successful mediation, including bias, leverage, and timing
- The intersection of mediation strategies and emerging spoiler threats
Excerpt from the Book
3. Mediation’s Utility
In fact, Bercovitch (1996) found that two third of all post-Cold War conflicts were mediated compared to a phase between the second World War and 1990, where very few conflicts experienced mediation attempts. As a matter of fact, it is also important to emphasize that most mediation attempts fail in the end and do not provide us with a peace agreement or ceasefire (Ramsbotham et al., 2011, p. 180). Furthermore, Bercovitch & Gartner (2008, p. 33) state that third-party mediated conflicts in the past were less likely to end up in a peace agreement compared to those cases, where parties negotiated directly with the each other, sparing a third-party. However, as Bercovitch & Gartner themselves point out, these findings are likely to be explained by selection bias: Incompatibilities addressed by mediators are likely to be more difficult, but therefore also more likely to fail than incompatibilities that can be addressed by the parties themselves. This leads to another important insight on the nature of mediation: It is often applied when other attempts already failed, opponents committed to fighting rather than talking, and the fronts are hardened.
Here mediation offers a solution by introducing a third-party, that can help to breakout an escalation spiral between two (more) parties (Ramsbotham et al., 2011, p. 21). Presenting a mediating party to the adversaries allows those parties to overcome the commitment problem described by Powell (2006, p. 181). A mediator who enjoys trust of the parties can give credible guarantees to them that an agreed settlement will be implemented. Although either war party might question their counterpart’s commitment to peace, they can trust guarantees given by the mediator in case they are offered. On the contrary, research on the field of mediating international crises (Wilkenfeld, J., Young, K., Quinn, D. & Asal, V., 2005) states assumptions about mediation that raise doubt if the commitment problem can be overcome by mediation efforts.
Summary of Chapters
1. Intro: Outlines the scope of the paper regarding the role of mediation in conflict resolution and its relationship to the spoiler concept.
2. Defining Mediation: Explores various academic interpretations of mediation, establishing a broad framework for the subsequent analysis.
3. Mediation’s Utility: Analyzes how mediation helps resolve commitment and information problems between conflicting parties.
4. Conditions of Mediation: Discusses key variables such as mediator bias, leverage, and the timing of intervention through the theory of ripeness.
5. Mediating with Spoilers: Examines how mediation strategies can be adapted to mitigate the impact of actors who aim to undermine peace processes.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes that mediation effectiveness depends on specific conflict conditions and the strategic combination of tools.
7. Additional References: Provides the academic bibliography supporting the discussed theories.
Keywords
Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Conflict Management, Third-party Intervention, Commitment Problem, Information Problem, Spoiler Theory, Peace Agreement, Ceasefire, Ripeness Theory, Mediator Bias, Leverage, Insiders, Outsiders, Durable Peace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the efficacy of mediation as a tool for conflict resolution, analyzing how it handles theoretical challenges like commitment and information issues and how it addresses spoiler behavior.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The work covers conflict management strategies, the role of third-party interveners, the dynamics of peace negotiations, and the impact of mediator characteristics on conflict outcomes.
What is the central research question?
The paper asks how mediation influences the path to durable peace, under what conditions it succeeds or fails, and how it can be utilized effectively against parties aiming to spoil the peace process.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The study utilizes a theoretical literature review, synthesizing findings from bargaining theory, ripeness theory, and comparative analyses of conflict mediation practices.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body addresses definitions of mediation, its utility in overcoming specific theoretical problems, the influence of mediator bias and leverage, and strategies to handle potential spoilers.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as mediation, commitment problem, spoiler theory, conflict resolution, and mediator leverage.
How does mediator bias affect the conflict resolution process?
While often debated, the paper notes that biased mediators can help overcome commitment problems by providing credible guarantees, though there is a risk of them being perceived as part of the conflict.
What is the role of "ripeness" in the mediation process?
Ripeness refers to the point where parties perceive a "mutually hurting stalemate," making them more likely to engage in mediation rather than continuing the conflict.
How do "spoilers" influence mediation efforts?
Spoilers are actors who use violence to undermine peace negotiations because they believe a settlement threatens their interests; mediation must be strategically adapted to manage these threats.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Johannes Wander (Autor:in), 2015, Mediation in the Conflict Resolution Process, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/341495
