Mediating regional conflicts and negotiating flexibility: peace efforts in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Author(s)
Date
1995-11Source Title
ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
Print ISSN
0002-7162
Electronic ISSN
1552-3349
Publisher
Sage
Volume
542
Issue
1
Pages
185 - 201
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
191
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362
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Abstract
This study analyzes four mediation initiatives in the
conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to understand the differences
between mediators' capabilities and their effect on the negotiating
flexibility of the disputing parties. It is claimed that regardless of the
outcomes of the negotiations, in all mediation cases, parties adopted
flexible negotiating behavior in the form of making or offering con-
cessions, agreements on rules and procedures, agreements on mutual
solutions, and introducing new peace proposals. In all instances, the
mediators played both the facilitator and manipulator roles. The
difference between a mediation process leading to an agreement and one
ending with a stalemate is found in the way and extent to which a
mediator uses his or her leverage in playing the role of a manipulator.