Protracted conflicts are some of the most resistant to third-party interventions. These are conflicts that have withstood the test of time. The dehumanization of the “other” becomes part of the belligerents’ identity and parties lock their positions around solutions that are perceived to be incompatible.  Over time, leaders get hooked on resources and power which takes primacy over the root causes of the conflict.

Mediators have to pitch their services based on the usefulness of the intervention and its prospect of success.

When a third-party is asked to facilitate a conversation between belligerents, the Mediator creates a space where disputants are able to express themselves without restrictions and explore all possible options.

Although broad, the trade of mediation is one that can be defined, measured, and evaluated and an astute consumer should be able to shop for a product that is distinguishable from other types of conflict resolution interventions.

Defining Mediation

Mediation is a confidential problem-solving process whereby an impartial third-party assists two or more consenting participants to prevent, manage, or resolve a conflict by helping them develop mutually satisfactory solutions to the issues being disputed.