Mediation and Difficult Conflicts

Source: (2006) In, Harrman, Margaret S., editor, Handbook of Mediation: Bridging Theory, Research, and Practice. Blackwell Publishing pp.355-372

I shall consider several types of difficult conflicts, ranging from those in which mediation would appear to be impossible to those in which mediation is possible but difficult and not usually successful. The purpose of my discussion will be to identify some of the major factors which obstruct or facilitate the successful mediation of conflict. My discussion is abstract and not focused on understanding the details of specific cases of difficult conflicts. As Kenneth Kressel has wisely stated: “Mediation is not a magic bullet for resolving any and all conflicts.” (excerpt)