Current conceptions of mediation can often fail to capture the complexity and intricacy of modern conflicts. This Research Handbook addresses this problem by presenting the leading expert opinions on international mediation, examining how international mediation practices, mechanisms and institutions should adapt to the changing characteristics of contemporary international crises.

Chapters consider the challenges facing the international community when aiming to achieve lasting resolutions in intrastate and interstate conflicts during acute periods of crisis and potential or actual violence escalation. The authors also provide much-needed context for 'gray zone conflict', the actions of non-state actors, gender dynamics and biases that hinder mediation. The ever-expanding role of mediation means authors also cover human security, climate diplomacy and cyber disputes. Using extensive analysis of salient cases as well as quantitative studies of aggregate trends, this Research Handbook is the vital reference work for mediation in contemporary international politics. The concluding chapter explores the overarching themes and key policy recommendations from the leading voices in mediation.

An essential reference for postgraduate researchers of international politics, this Research Handbook provides both quantitative and qualitative analysis to further case knowledge for research. In addition, the case studies and concluding chapter will be a much-needed resource for policymakers and practitioners in defence policy and peace advocacy due to their emphasis on lessons learned and best practice.

Contributors include: P. Aall, Z. Bakaki, J.A. Bangerter, M. Barrett, K. Beardsley, D. Belo, T. Boehmelt, A. Boutellis, M. Brecher, D. Carment, A.B. Celik, K. Christie, C.A. Crocker, D.E. Cunningham, K. DeRouen Jr., P.F. Diehl, Y. Duman, S.S. Gartner, M. Gelfand, S. Gent, Z. Goncz, J.M. Greig, F.O. Hampson, E. Hoffman, P.T. Hopmann, L. Hultman, L. Kemp, R.C. Maness, M.M. Melin, E.J. Menninga, M. Nikolko, P. Olander, A.P. Owsiak, D. Quinn, L. Reid, M. Sarver, N. Schreffler, J.A. Stevenson, I. Svensson, B. Valeriano, S. Vukovic, P.B. White, J. Wilkenfeld, M.-J. Zahar, I.W. Zartman

About the Author
Edited by Jonathan Wilkenfeld, Department of Government Politics and National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), University of Maryland, Kyle Beardsley, Professor, Department of Political Science, Duke University and Co-Director, International Crisis Behavior Project and David Quinn, Research Associate, Center for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), University of Maryland, College Park, US

Reviews
'This is a superb collection of articles on mediating international crises, one of the best I have seen. It is thematic, with insightful, well-informed contributions from accomplished scholars and experts, which, importantly, consider critical changes in the characteristics of the international system. It includes rich policy-relevant recommendations, especially in the concluding chapter. Highly recommended for scholars and practitioners alike.'
--Shibley Telhami, University of Maryland, College Park and the Brookings Institution, US

'Given the sterling list of contributors, the reader is likely to have high expectations of this book - and s/he will not be disappointed! It ranges over all the key aspects of mediation and covers them well by theory, large-N empirical analysis, and case studies.'
--Nils Petter Gleditsch, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), Norway

Book Information
ISBN 9781800375253
Author Jonathan Wilkenfeld
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd