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The most common reason why the country plays the role of an intermediary is a projection of influence without the need to use violence. Mediation allows countries It is placed as key factors in conflict resolutionGiving them final agreements. The United States realized that In the David camp in 1978. They did not just want to stop the Egyptians and Israelis to fight- They wanted to consolidate their presence in the Middle EastWhile the Soviets lost their positions in the middle of the Cold War.
OR Self -absorbing It also matters. Long conflicts produce refugees, illegal weapons, terrorism and others Problems that exceed the borderIt is preferable to extinguish the fire by the field before getting to the house. That is why Norway was mediated by Sri -Lanka. He understands that the volatility anywhere in the world can ultimately influence such a distant and peaceful country.
Then there is a problem of image. A country that resolves conflicts receives an international reputationThis reputation is turned into a diplomatic influence, the best bilateral relations and a greater impact on international organizations. Switzerland, Qatar and Türkiye created their foreign policy on this basis. Medium countries that go beyond their weight due to their role of intermediaries.
OR Domestic policy Do not forget. Governments that successfully meditate can sell it as a triumph inside, especially if they strive to promote regional or world leadership. This is a way to legalize inside and abroad.
What countries that are mediated?
The advantages of mediation exceed international applause. Let’s start with the information. Mediators are sitting at every table, listening to every conversation, they know all the papers. This information deserves gold to develop its own foreign policy And the forecast of what will happen next.
Relations are also important. During mediation, diplomats They create connections with political, military and business liders in many countries. These networks last for decades and can be activated to resolve future crises, the closure of trade agreements or the creation of coalitions. Qatar turned this into art, using his contacts from one mediation to open the doors to the following.
Money comes from the back door. Stable region An area that sells, invests and develops. The ombudsman often takes Contract designprivileged access to natural resources or affordable commercial agreements. In addition, the reputation of a reliable intermediary attracts investments and improves the conditions in global economic negotiations.
But maybe The most valuable is international prestigeSuccessful intermediaries are developing a diplomatic brand that opens doors for other questions. Norway used its success in mediation to lead to climate change and human rights. As soon as you get confidence in the country that solves problems, people hear you on other issues.
Problems and success factors in mediation
Mediation also has its dangers. The main thing is that If you fail, your reputation will go for a walkThe field of unsuccessful mediation is not just a loss of face can create constant enemiesIf any of the sides thinks that you were biased. And distrust, when created, is difficult to restore.
Cost is another problem. Mediation requires specialized diplomats; Financing of endless meetings And often placing money on the table to convince the detailsThe field lasts these expenses for years, sometimes for decades, and require political obligations that should survive after changes in the government.
What makes mediation to work?
First, trustParts of the conflict should be considered relatively neutral. This does not mean that you have no personal interest, but you can talk to everyone without feeling.
Secondly, resourcesA field if you cannot offer something specific – money, safety guarantees, access to markets – your mediation is just words. Parts of the conflict need motivation to introduce their weapons.
Third, patiencePeace procedures are not decided at the meeting. Successful intermediaries are preparing in the long run, adapting to changes in the conflict and remain devoted when others are tired.
The future brings new problems. The world becomes multipolarwhich means more Factors claim the role of an intermediaryThe technology field changes the method of negotiations, creating new opportunities and new dangers of security. And new conflicts, such as associated with Climate changeTo demand approaches that combine traditional diplomacy with a technical examination.
Examples of various types of international mediation
Mediation takes different forms depending on who does it and in what context. In some cases, a variety of approaches is depicted.
The United States in the Camp David (1978): Mediation with the control unit
When the United States erupted between Egypt and Israel, they not just installed a table and chairs. They bring 3 billion dollars a year on the table for Israel and $ 2 billion for Egypt. This is the SuperPower model: the use of huge resources to make the world more attractive than war. Only countries with a giant economy can afford this approach.
Norway in Oslo (1993): opaque mediation
The Norwegians did something else. Instead of the main media in the media, they facilitated secret meetings between Israeli and Palestinians in research centers. The process began almost by accident, through academic contacts. This model works for medium -sized countries, which compensate for the lack of military power with diplomatic creativity and discretion.
Qatar in several conflicts: mediation in a specialized position
Qatar made his mediation in the brand. With money from gas and strategic geographical position, he mediates conflicts from Sudan to Lebanon. This advantage is that he can talk to everyone, even with groups that avoid other countries, such as the Taliban. It is the model of a small rich state that finds its place in the world, solving problems that others cannot or do not want to touch.
Brazil in Latin America: regional mediation
Brazil was placed as a natural intermediary of South America. Its size, its democratic stability and its historical relations give regional trust. Although its role in processes such as Farc negotiations was indirect, it shows how regional forces can use their geographical and cultural proximity to facilitate dialogues.
EU in the Balkans: collective mediation
The EU is not a country, but it acts as an intermediary who offers that no isolated country can give: the status of a member of the European Club. Her work to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo shows how the block can use the prospect of economic and political integration as an incentive for the world.
Vatican: Ethical mediation
Dad does not have an army and oil, but he has something unique: world moral prestige. His mediation in the conflict in the Bigl channel between Argentina and Chile worked in 1984, because both Catholic countries respected papal power. This is a model that works only when parts have certain meanings or beliefs.
Türkiye: Opportunist mediation
Türkiye used its geographical place and historical heritage to meditate conflicts from Syria to Ukraine. His success in the assistance of the ceremonial corridor between Russia and Ukraine shows how countries with regional ambitions can use specific circumstances to accommodate as necessary intermediaries.
Carter Center: Private mediation
Despite the fact that the center of the Carter is not a government, how private organizations can mediate using the personal prestige of its founders and technical experience. His work in Africa shows that sometimes not state bodies can go to where governments cannot be from political restrictions.
Each type of mediation has its advantages and restrictions. No magical recipe- success depends on Search for an approach that is best suited for conflictTo available resources and political capabilities. In the end, mediation is both art and science, and not only conflict is required, but also our own potential and restrictions.