Peacemaking in Trouble: Expert Perspectives on Flaws, Deficiencies and Potential in the Field of International Mediation

• The study is based on interviews with 86 leading mediation practitioners and specialists, and ten expert colloquia (including one arranged through Oxford and three through the United States Institute of Peace). 
• The study revolves around a single question: What could be done to increase the effectiveness of international mediation efforts to resolve or prevent armed conflict?
• It is intended as a compendium of expert opinion and so includes substantial quotations, but the author presents an argument in the conclusions and recommendations.  
• The research suggests that mediation efforts are failing not just because of the highly challenging international environment, but also due to flaws and deficiencies in the field’s systems, structures, policies and practices. 
• The author calls for a vigorous debate about how the field of international mediation can improve, and a major collective effort to bring about far-reaching change.

Statements and views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author and do not imply endorsement by Harvard University, the Harvard Kennedy School, or the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.