Mediation Space: Addressing Obstacles Stemming from Worldview Differences to Regain Negotiation Flexibility

Author(s): Jean-Nicolas Bitter, Simon J. A. Mason, Emanuel Schaeublin, Angela Ullmann
Series Editor(s): Simon J. A. Mason
Series: CSS Mediation Resources
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zürich
Publication Year: 2022
Publication Place: Zürich

In numerous intra-state conflicts, societies are polarized along worldview divides and conflicting parties disagree over what kind of society and state they want to build. Such questions can deeply divide societies and block political processes and mediation efforts. This CSS Mediation Resources suggests a method for addressing such blockages by analyzing the principal challenges that can arise from worldview differences in conflicts and conflict transformation. In order to deal with these challenges, the authors propose a model of engagement they call the “mediation space” approach. The idea is to create a space where leaders of communities can come together across divides to address conflict issues, encouraging leaders to take constructive steps towards a peaceful solution that can be explained within the worldview of their community.

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Series: CSS Mediation Resources