The Theoretical and Methodological Debates on International Conflict Mediation： A Review of Mediating International Crises, International Conflict Mediation and International Mediation Interaction

　　Abstract: Over the past several decades, mediation, or third party intervention in a conflict has played an increasingly significant role in management and resolution of international conflicts. Traditionally research on mediation has focused on the role of state actors in mediating conflict. Following the conclusion of the Cold War, the role of non-state actors such as the United Nations in mediating international conflicts has increased greatly, exposing the limits of traditional statecentric research. A number of empirical studies have worked towards capturing these new trends in the modes of mediation. This article reviews three studies of international conflict mediation that employ new research methods, and focusing on instances, processes and outcomes of mediation, offers a systematic overview of new scholarly research in the field, presenting the key theoretical and methodological debates. In closing, the article assesses the contributions and limitations of this literature, and proposes a future research agenda.

　　Author: Chen Chong is a Graduate Student of the Zhou Enlai School of Government of Nankai University