International Mediation Flashcards
What is mediation
a process in which one or more third parties assist parties in conflict who are unable or unwilling to find a solution on their own.
extension of existing negotiation process, particularly for most resistant cases.
Why do parties accept mediation?
Because they believe it will be advantageous for them.
It hints at potential for a better outcome compared to what they could achieve through fighting or direct negotiations.
- sginifies importance of ripeness (parties recognize mediated solution may offer more favorable results.
- acknowledge role of bias
Nature of mediator - states
varies depending on entity involved.
States, whether they are superpowers or small nations, play a significant role.
superpowers= posses leverage, resources and often exhibit bias due to power asymmetry.
small-sized states: lack leverage, resources, potentially making them less biased.
International and Regional organizations
- may serve as a smoke screen for state activities, employing a sense of realism in interventions.
Mandated by charters + promote Peace as core alue.
Their involvement is often driven by specific outcomes that align with their raison d’‘etre, fundamental purpose.
They operate within organizational limitations, including operating principles, statutes, membership considerations, and procedural frameworks.
Religious organisations, Humanitarian NGO’s and advocacy groups
play a crucial role as mediators too.
* operate autonomously
* have long-term presence within conflict-affected areas
* recognize early warning signals.
By establishing close relationships with local officials, they gain valuable insights and access. These mediators focus on humanitarian concerns and specific issues such as resource dispute, employing low-level intrusiveness and limited leverage to facilitate dialogue.
Illustrious individuals
such as Martti Ahtisaari, Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, bring their
reputation and mediation expertise to the table. Their involvement enhances the credibility and
legitimacy of the mediation process, drawing on their past successes and personal influence.
Nature of the mediator – Partiality
Mediation involves a substantial investment, both in material and non-material terms. Outside actors are unlikely to engage in mediation unless they have a vested interest in finding a solution that aligns with their own interests
Partiality mediator manifestations
humanitarian perspective: mediators may be motivated by genuine concerns for well-being of conflicting parties + affected populations.
Offensive stance: obtain gratitude from both sides, and limit influence of rivals actors.
Defensive side: mediators aim to preserve their own influence over conflicting parties, preventing rival actors from capitalizing on conflict + mitigating potential spillover effects.
Reputational considerations also influence the mediator’s partiality. By promoting principles, values, and norms, mediators seek to enhance their reputation and project themselves as champions of peace and conflict resolution.
Touval about Mediator
Mediation is a foreign policy tool
Bias of mediator
mediators closeness to particular party implies possibility of delivering that party to an agreement BUT can be perceived as favoring/ undermining mediators success.
A biased mediator who aligns closely with one party may have a deeper understanding of their interests, concerns, and constraints. This understanding can facilitate effective communication and negotiation, potentially leading to more satisfactory outcomes for all parties involved
Nature of mediator : LEVERAGE
the nature of mediators leverage is an important factor in facilitating the resolution of conflicts.
Leverage can be classified into strategic power and tactical power.
Strategic power
Primarily relies on available resources.
Legitimate, information, expert, coercive and reward Power.
- Legitimate power is one aspect of strategic power, as it involves being accepted by disputing parties as a legitimate and neutral mediator.
- Information power: enables mediator to control + manipulate information relevant to conflict.
- expert power + referent power: expertise, status, prestige in particular field of mediator
–> credibility - Coersive power: ability to exert pressure or impose consequences if parties do not comply
*reward power: involves offering incentives or benefits.
Tactical power
focuses on mediators skills and apporoaches
Communication, image, momentum tactics
*Communication tactics: using effective communication strategies to foster understanding, manage conflicts and faciliate productive dialogue between parties
*image tactics involve shaping + managing mediators public image + perception to enhance credibility and trust
*Momentum tactics aim to build momentum + positive dynamics during mediation process.
Party arithmetic
refers to identifying the disputing sides involved in the conflict.
Internal cohesiveness within parties
parties with higher internal cohesiveness are more likely to have a clear and unified position, making negations more straightforward.
Low cohensiveness within a party can lead to confusion and difficulty in identifying the appropriate party representatives for negotiations.
Regime type of parties involved
can influence mediation process.
Liberal Peace theory: democracies are less likely to engage in armed conflicts with other democracies.
Spoilers
individuals or group that may disrupt or undermine mediation process.
Ripeness
refers to the readiness of the parties to engage in meaninful negotiations and reach a solutions.
Crucial aspects to perception of Ripeness
- Mutually Hurting Stalemate (MHS)
- Way Out (WO)
- Mutually Enticing Opportunity (MEO)
Mutually Hurting Stalemate (MHS)
refers to a situation where both parties in conflict have reached a point where the continuation of the conflict is causing significant harm or loss to each side.
* creates a sense of urgency and recognition that current situation is unsustainable, promting the parties to seek a way out.
Identification of a Way Out (WO)
It involves the parties realization that there is a feasible path or solution that can lead them out of the stalemate.
- perception that negotiation is suitable alternative
- not necessarily linked to specific solution
- something to gain
* - providing a sense of hope and potential resolution acceptable to both sides.
- it may involve ocmpromises, creative problem-solving or exploration of alternative options.
Mutually Enticing Opportunity (MEO)
Refers to prospects and benefits that a resolution can bring to both parties.
incentive for parties to engage in mediation and pursue a negotiated settlement.
This could involve opportunities for improved relationships, economic benefits, enhanced security or other positive oucomes that make
the resolution, more attractive than continued conflict
Tractability of dispute (handelbaarheid)
refers to its potential for resolution through mediation.
2 key factors:
* intensitivity of conflict
* issues at stake in dispute