Security Sector Reform for Practitioners

What is peace mediation? Understanding the sources of conceptual confusion in the practice and study of mediation.

Practitioners and policymakers must clearly define what they mean when using the term “mediation”. This is necessary to help conflict parties understand what to expect from third parties, to establish coordination and communication, increase the acceptability of mediation for conflict parties, and enhance learning across contexts. This brief first explains why this topic is of importance, then examines potential challenges in the definition of mediation, focusing on three tenets of mediation practice that distinguish it from other peacemaking activities: (1) a third party assists negotiations; (2) the mediator provides some minimal level of control or structure over the overall process; and (3) the parties consent to the involvement of the third party and the outcome of the process.

Dokument

• What is peace mediation?