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All 11 Flashcards — Mediation
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Question
What is mediation?
Answer
When a neutral third party — a state, IGO, NGO or respected individual — helps warring sides talk and reach an agreement.
Question
How is mediation different from negotiation?
Answer
Negotiation is the parties talking directly; mediation brings in a third party who helps them reach a deal they could not reach alone.
Question
Who can act as a mediator?
Answer
A powerful state, an IGO like the UN or a regional body, an NGO or mediation body, or a respected individual or elder.
Question
Why can a third party break a deadlock?
Answer
Enemies who won't talk directly will talk through a trusted outsider, who can build trust, suggest compromises and guarantee deals.
Question
What is a face-saving compromise?
Answer
A deal that lets a side make concessions without looking like it surrendered, so both sides can accept it.
Question
What is the neutral-vs-powerful mediator tension?
Answer
Neutral mediators are trusted but may lack leverage; powerful mediators have leverage but may be seen as biased — the best combine trust and leverage.
Question
What does it mean for a conflict to be 'ripe' for mediation?
Answer
Both sides have reached a hurting stalemate where neither can win and the cost of fighting is unbearable, so they are ready to talk.
Question
Why does mediation sometimes fail?
Answer
When the parties are not ready to stop, the mediator is distrusted, there are too many factions, or outside backers keep a side fighting.
Question
How can a mediator help a deal hold?
Answer
A powerful or respected mediator can guarantee and monitor the agreement, reassuring each side that the other will keep its word.
Question
Can outsiders make peace by themselves?
Answer
No — a mediator can help the sides reach a deal but cannot make them want peace; the parties' genuine readiness is essential.
Question
What makes mediation effective overall?
Answer
Ripeness (readiness), a trusted mediator, and enough leverage to move the parties and make the deal stick.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Mediation
Topic 4.3 hub
Causes and dynamics of conflict
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Global Politics exam skills
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