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.
At a glance
- Grade: 1.0 (1.0 is the best grade)
- Applies Greenhill and Major’s four circumstances of spoiling to mediation
- Examines Zartman’s ripeness theory and its application to mediation
- 11 sources in the bibliography
Contents
1. Intro
2. Defining Mediation
3. Mediation’s Utility
4. Conditions of Mediation
5. Mediating with Spoilers
6. Conclusion
Objective and Topics
The paper examines the role of mediation in resolving armed conflicts and its implications for durable peace. It asks how different understandings, strategies and conditions of mediation relate to conflict resolution, and how mediation might address threats posed by spoilers.
- Definitions of mediation and its relationship to conflict management, transformation and resolution
- Commitment and information problems in negotiations
- Mediator bias, leverage, insider status and timing
- Ripeness theory and the conditions for mediation
- Spoiler theory and potential mediation responses
Excerpt from the Book
2. Defining Mediation
To explain why mediation is important, it is first necessary to clarify what mediation is. Most scholars can agree that mediation is a form of third-party intervention, often defined as a voluntary process (Ramsbotham, Miall & Woodhouse, 2011, p. 32). However, discord starts to raise when looking closer on the conflict timeline. When are mediations offered or needed, and what are they aiming for? Some scholars would embed the method of mediation within the concept of conflict transformation and/or management (Lederach, 1995; Bercovitch & Rubin, 1992), whereas others describe mediation as an attempt to conflict resolution (Wallensteen, 2012; Svensson, 2015). Depending on their understanding, they find different arguments and results to support their perspective. Obviously, they study a different object: On the one hand mediation as an effort to put the parties in indirect contact, gain trust and confidence in each other, set agendas, clarify issues, arrange venues, reduce tensions, and explore the interests of either party (Ramsbotham et al., 2011, p. 181). All of these attempts might indirectly lead to or increase the likelihood of a resolution of the conflict, but they do not aim on a peace agreement in the first place. On the other hand, mediation is understood as a synonym for negotiations to stop armed conflict after it broke out, always acting on the maxim to create a ceasefire or a peace agreement. Wallensteen (2012) argues that conflict management and transformation do not address the problem of solving the main incompatibilities between the parties and are rather “simple ways of ‘handling’ a problem” (p. 53).
Whereas the first attempt aims on managing the conflict and smooth the way towards negotiations, the latter equals negotiations and mediations, stating that all mediation efforts have follow the aim of resolving the main incompatibilities – ideally leading to a peace agreement. As this paper seeks to understand the various practices of mediation, a broader definition is applied to include the most common understandings of mediation in the analysis. Bercovitch & Rubin (1992) established a widely recognized framework stating that:
“Mediation is a process of conflict management, related to but distinct from parties’ own effort, where disputants seek the assistance, or accept an offer of help, from an individual, group, state or organization to change, affect or influence their perceptions or behavior, without resorting to physical force or invoking the authority of the law.” (p. 7)
Throughout this paper the focus lies on inter- and intrastate armed conflicts and mediation efforts include attempts on a conflict transformation and management level and are judged by their long-term contribution towards conflict resolution.
Chapter Summaries
1. Intro: Introduces the paper’s focus on mediation, durable peace and spoilers, and outlines its approach.
2. Defining Mediation: Compares definitions of mediation as conflict management, transformation and resolution, then establishes a broad working definition.
3. Mediation’s Utility: Discusses the relevance of mediation and examines how third parties might address commitment and information problems.
4. Conditions of Mediation: Examines debates about mediator bias, leverage, insider and outsider status, and the timing of mediation.
5. Mediating with Spoilers: Introduces competing perspectives on spoilers and considers how mediation might respond to circumstances that encourage spoiling.
6. Conclusion: Brings together the discussion of mediation strategies, conflict conditions and their relationship to durable peace.
Keywords
mediation, conflict resolution, armed conflict, durable peace, third-party intervention, conflict transformation, conflict management, commitment problem, information problem, mediator bias, mediator leverage, ripeness theory, spoilers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the paper about?
It examines mediation in armed conflict and its relationship to conflict resolution and durable peace.
What are its central themes?
The paper addresses definitions and uses of mediation, conditions affecting mediators, negotiation problems and spoilers.
What is the primary objective?
The author aims to examine the role of mediation in conflict resolution, its implications for durable peace and its relationship to the spoiler concept.
What research method does the paper use?
The paper develops a conceptual analysis through discussion and comparison of existing scholarly literature. It does not report an original survey or interviews.
What does the main body cover?
It defines mediation, considers its potential utility, discusses conditions under which it takes place and examines possible responses to spoilers.
Which keywords characterize the paper?
Key terms include mediation, conflict resolution, third-party intervention, mediator bias, ripeness and spoilers.
How does the paper distinguish different understandings of mediation?
It contrasts approaches that emphasize managing or transforming conflict with those that identify mediation more closely with negotiations aimed at resolving incompatibilities.
How does the paper use ripeness theory?
It discusses Zartman’s account of when parties may become receptive to negotiations and considers criticisms of the concept.
How are spoilers connected to mediation?
The paper considers how peace processes can create circumstances for spoiling and discusses potential mediation responses to four circumstances identified by Greenhill and Major.
- Quote paper
- Johannes Wander (Author), 2015, Mediation in the Conflict Resolution Process, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/341495
