A critique of international mediation : three case studies

Abstract

The concept of mediation is going to be analyzed in this study along with case studies. Mediation is practised all around the world, but still tends to be a prominent feature in the Western world. Mediation works to bring the truth to the surface by using the figure of the mediator in order to find prosperous outcomes. The mediation session rotates around six stages. The figure of the mediator is important since it is with his abilities that in the long term, solution will be achieved within a common agreement among the conflicting parties. Mediation has two-fold outcomes-either disadvantages or advantages such as the process of mediation brings out communication among the conflicting parties. Chapters Two, Three and Four deals with different case studies of mediation. These are the Camp David Accords of 1979, the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 and the Kenyan Presidential elections of 2007 respectively. While the first part of Chapter 5, an analysis on the factors that determine the failure and success of mediation is going to be tackled. The second part deals with three case studies concerning the international mediation which are namely, the Camp David Summit of 2000, the Ugandan and Uzbekistan peace processes. In order for mediation to be successful, the mediator must put aside his own interests and try to find a common ground between the conflicting parties so that he can pursue peace. Mediation is often seen as the tool to resolve undisputed conflicts that have been going on for decades without any positive outcome. By the mediation process, the conflicting parties try to reach some form of agreement from whose outcomes in the long run both parties will benefit. Mediation could also be amalgamated with diplomacy so that there will be more positive outcomes among the parties and a solution could also be found earlier.