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International Mediation, Selection Effects, and the Question of Bias

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  • Bernd Beber

Abstract

International mediation of violent conflicts is commonplace in today’s world, and so is academic research on its features and effectiveness. But research that speaks to both the initiation and implementation of mediation remains relatively rare. This article outlines a theoretical and empirical argument that contributes to filling this gap and suggests a counterintuitive selection effect: potential mediators that are likely to resolve a dispute are unlikely to select into mediation. The argument hinges on the claim that mediation by biased third parties is relatively ineffective, and I provide qualitative evidence to suggest that this claim is plausible.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernd Beber, 2012. "International Mediation, Selection Effects, and the Question of Bias," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 29(4), pages 397-424, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:29:y:2012:i:4:p:397-424
    DOI: 10.1177/0738894212449091
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    Cited by:

    1. Striebinger, Kai, 2016. "The missing link: values and the effectiveness of international democracy promotion," IDOS Discussion Papers 19/2016, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
    2. Kim, Jin Yeub, 2017. "Interim third-party selection in bargaining," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 645-665.
    3. David E. Cunningham, 2018. "Jaroslav Tir and Johannes Karreth. 2018. Incentivizing Peace: How International Organizations Can Help Prevent Civil Wars in Member Countries (New York: Oxford University Press)," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 627-630, December.
    4. Alexandra C. Hartman & Robert A. Blair & Christopher Blattman, 2018. "Engineering Informal Institutions: Long-run Impacts of Alternative Dispute Resolution on Violence and Property Rights in Liberia," NBER Working Papers 24482, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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