This micro-course defines mediation and distinguishes it from negotiation. It describes the various roles a third party can play, including as a mediator, and the various steps one follows when organizing and facilitating a mediation process.

UN Security Council
UN Security Council meeting. Photo courtesy of the UN.

Course Overview

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the importance of mediation;
  • Define mediation and identify the roles mediators play;
  • Identify the role identity plays in mediation; and
  • Recognize the basic principles behind effective mediation.

Overview Video

Click on the video below for an overview of the course.

If you cannot view the video, click here to download it.

Agenda

Section 1 - Introduction

Introduces the importance of mediation through real-world stories and asks the learner to reflect on their prior knowledge.

 

Section 2 - Pillars

Discusses how mediation is defined and how it relates to diplomacy, as well as examines the mediator's role and the diversity of mediators in the international sphere.

Section 3 - Tools

Explore the various tools used by mediators including conflict analysis, engagement with parties, neutrality, and timing.

Section 4 - Application

Applies the tools discussed in the previous chapter to real-life mediation processes. Learners then have the opportunity to complete an independent research project and think about how to apply the lessons learned throughout the course to their own work. 

Section 5 - Conclusion

Provides a space for self-reflection and tests retention while earning a certificate.

The Mango Tree

In this course we present a scenario in which you can apply the theories and concepts covered in this course to a fictional situation. A scenario is comprised of situation examples and you are asked to determine the best solution to each situation. This scenario looks two neighboring families are in conflict over the fruit from a mango tree. The conflict has been escalating and there is real tension between the families. It is clear the situation will not resolve itself, and with the mango season approaching shortly, now is the time to act.

Course Instructors

Related Publications

More States Are Vying to Mediate Conflict — What Does it Mean for Global Peace?

More States Are Vying to Mediate Conflict — What Does it Mean for Global Peace?

Monday, October 7, 2024

Unsurprisingly, the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan dominated discussions among world leaders at the recent U.N. General Assembly. So did calls to reform and strengthen the international system, reflecting shifting global power dynamics. Diplomatic meetings in New York also revealed how these increasingly complex conflicts and shifting power dynamics are coming together in an emerging trend: a more diverse set of countries striving to mediate conflicts. At the beginning of the week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss avenues to peace, building on Modi’s recent trips to Kyiv and Moscow. At the end of the week, Chinese and Brazilian officials co-hosted an event to garner international support for their peace plan for Ukraine, which Kyiv opposes.

Type: Analysis

Global PolicyMediation, Negotiation & DialoguePeace Processes

Sullivan’s Beijing Mission: Managing Competition Amid Simmering Tensions

Sullivan’s Beijing Mission: Managing Competition Amid Simmering Tensions

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

President Joe Biden’s top national security aide, Jake Sullivan, met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week, along with other top Chinese officials, as Washington and Beijing look to address bilateral tensions. Relations hit one of their lowest points in years in August 2022 after then U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and China responded by cutting off bilateral communications on areas ranging from military matters to climate cooperation. But both sides have attempted to pull back from the brink with a series of high-level meetings in the last two years, including between Biden and Xi in November 2023.

Type: Question and Answer

Global PolicyMediation, Negotiation & Dialogue

En Venezuela, la acción no violenta es clave para una transición democrática negociada

En Venezuela, la acción no violenta es clave para una transición democrática negociada

Thursday, August 15, 2024

El 28 de julio, Venezuela celebró una de las elecciones más importantes de su historia. La oposición política del país, liderada por María Corina Machado, superó la desilusión popular, las divisiones políticas y un sistema electoral amañado para obtener una aplastante victoria para su candidato de unidad, Edmundo González Urrutia. Según un grupo de la sociedad civil, los cálculos «extrapolados de los recibos oficiales del conteo de votos» de una muestra representativa de centros de votación locales otorgan a González el 66% de los votos. La oposición venezolana respondió al momento con una inspirada campaña prodemocracia.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceMediation, Negotiation & DialogueNonviolent Action

In Venezuela, Nonviolent Action Is Key to a Negotiated Democratic Transition

In Venezuela, Nonviolent Action Is Key to a Negotiated Democratic Transition

Thursday, August 15, 2024

On July 28, Venezuela held one of the most consequential elections in its history. The country’s political opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, overcame popular disillusionment, political divides and a rigged electoral system to earn a landslide victory for its unity candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia. According to one civil society group, estimates “extrapolated from the official vote count receipts” from a representative sample of local voting centers give González 66% of the vote. Venezuela’s opposition met the moment with an inspired pro-democracy campaign.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceMediation, Negotiation & DialogueNonviolent Action

View All Publications