This course examines mediation as short hand for third party involvement in the peaceful resolution of international or internal disputes. It defines and differentiates between inter-state and intrastate conflicts and between those revolving around access to the central organs of power and those involving the right to self-determination. The role of the United Nations in the peaceful settlement of disputes and the evolution of the
role of the Secretary-General's Good Offices will be an important focus of the course. The role of regional and other inter-governmental organizations;
mediation by governments as well as by
NGOs and individuals will also be addressed. A series of case studies will be discussed including Afghanistan, East Timor, Cambodia and the Central American peace process (Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala). Lessons will be drawn from the successes and failures of these and other mediations including their timing and methodology, issues relating to
human rights and justice and their applicability to current conflicts. (CM)