Nordic Mediation Tradition: A Return to the Core Principles of Peace Mediation?
Why talk about history when the world is on fire? FBA and Uppsala University have launched a new research book on Nordic mediation, The Peacemaking Mandate: Nordic Experiences in International Mediation (2025). According to Professors Isak Svensson and Peter Wallensteen, it is in history that the Nordic legacy of peace mediation finds its most important lessons. The launch was followed by a panel discussion highlighting experiences and insights from Nordic mediation in an evolving global landscape.
Today’s world offers numerous examples of mediation initiatives aimed at addressing ongoing armed conflicts, military invasions, and genocide. For example, the United States in Ukraine and Gaza, Qatar and the United States in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the AU–IGAD mediation in Sudan, and the AU in Ethiopia. Taken together, these efforts illustrate a fragmented and competitive mediation environment, one that differs significantly from the Nordic region’s long-standing tradition of supporting peace processes grounded in human rights, international law, and gender equality in conflict-affected countries.
Reflections on Svensson and Wallensteen’s book, The Peacemaking Mandate: Nordic Experiences in International Mediation, pointed in particular to three key lessons from Nordic mediation experiences:
Mediation is an effective way to address armed conflict
Of the 58 cases involving Nordic mediators, 33 completed processes achieved their objectives in 40% of the cases. This indicates that mediation is more effective than, for example, sanctions or military interventions. Mediation support is also comparatively inexpensive and serves as an important complement to enhanced defence measures. A key element lies in how mediation mandates are formulated and interpreted.
Mediation mandate need to be grounded in international principles
In light of more pressured peace initiatives driven by global powers, Nordic mediators can continue to uphold international law, human rights, and gender equality, building on the region’s extensive experience of inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies. The world needs to revive a principled approach to addressing conflicts with severe humanitarian consequences, such as in Sudan, where major geopolitical interests are not decisive.
Adopt a holistic approach
Combining conflict resolution with development assistance, structural violence prevention, and broad partnerships is essential. These approaches provide valuable pathways for building long-term trust that can complement ongoing proposals and agreements related to the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Isak Svensson (Uppsala University) and Peter Wallensteen (Uppsala University), authors of The Peacemaking Mandate: Nordic Experiences in International Mediation
Svensson and Wallensteen’s book is a strong example of FBA’s long-standing tradition of contributing to research of high relevance for peace and security. The security environment is serious, and the world is experiencing historically high levels of conflict. Managing and preventing conflict is more important than ever, making it essential that research and expertise are continuously applied in mediation contexts.