Good Mediator: Relational Characteristics of Effective Mediators

This book explores how mediators' relational characteristics can alter the outcome of mediation in international militarized disputes. It redefines the sources of effective mediators,impartiality and interest,and shows how these characteristics can lead to successful mediation through different channels. It also identifies the two dimensions of mediator trust,fairness and capacity,and explores how impartial and interested mediators are more or less effective in particular conflicts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of mediation in international militarized disputes, exploring how the relational characteristics of mediators can significantly impact the outcome of these conflicts. Instead of solely focusing on neutrality and bias, which have been extensively discussed in the mediation literature, this book redefines the sources of effective mediators, impartiality, and interest. It demonstrates how these seemingly opposing characteristics can work together to facilitate successful mediation through various channels, complementing each other. Furthermore, the book uncovers the two critical dimensions of mediator trust: fairness and capacity. For mediation to be successful, disputants must trust that mediators are fair and capable of leading to a resolution. The identification of these two sources is paramount, as each of the two relational characteristics of mediators discussed above enhances each dimension of mediator trust. Moreover, this book delves into how impartial and interested mediators are more or less effective in specific conflicts, considering factors such as the nature of the dispute, the relationships between disputants, and the characteristics of the mediators themselves. Through an empirical analysis and case studies on mediation cases led by the Philippines and Syria in the Borneo confrontation and Yemen dispute, respectively, the book showcases how the levels of mediator impartiality and mediator interest counterbalance each other, ultimately leading to mediation success. This insightful work provides valuable insights into the complex world of mediation and its potential to promote peaceful resolutions in international militarized disputes.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 219 x 153 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498580830