As a first of its kind, this thesis deals with a specific aspect of the micro dynamics of international mediation, namely developing possible explanations for variations in mediator style among individual mediators working for international, peacemaking inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It defines mediator style as an expression of how individuals mediate in terms of themes in both goals and behaviors, varying along two particularly central dimensions: directiveness and orientation.
The summary was presented during the seminar Fred.
Main findings
- High rather than low conflict intensity makes mediators overall more directive, and high rather than low mediator profile gives rise to more settlement- oriented mediators. It is thus these two relationships that come out as most important for our understanding of mediator style.
- The findings of the dissertation indicate that context in the form of conflict intensity has contingent effects on mediator style in relation to the two mediator characteristics of profile and personality.
- The updated and refined theoretical framework introduced in my dissertation provides a useful starting point for exploring the dynamics of mediator styles in armed conflicts. At the same time, it both can and should be further elaborated on in light of other existing theoretical traditions.
Mathilda Lindgren is a Peace Researcher who defended her thesis Peacemaking Up Close: Explaining Mediator Styles of International Mediators at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University in October 2016.