International mediation is a form of diplomatic intervention aimed at reaching negotiated solutions to armed conflict, political violence and international crises. Used by states, organizations, groups or individuals, mediation continues to be an important form of peacemaking. This brief outlines the major trends in international mediation, bringing attention to four different questions:
- Is mediation becoming more common?
- Where do mediators go?
- Who are the mediators?
- What is the effect of mediation?
For each question, the brief identifies the relevant empirical trends and discusses their implications for policy.
