EVOLUTION OF MEDIATION THEORY: HISTORY AND APPROACHES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17072/2218-1067-2026-1-141-150Keywords:
mediation, mediation theory, international mediation, conflict resolution, mediation institution, neo-institutionalism, diplomacy, international relationsAbstract
The article analyzes the evolution of mediation theory from its origins, identifying the following stages: Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the era of nation-states, and modernity. The author reveals that before the development of political science in the 20th century, mediation was the subject of philosophers' reflections. Since the second half of the XX century, it has become the object of scientific analysis of political theory. In Western science, mediation was considered a means of political and diplomatic settlement, including preventive measures. Russian science develops the Western tradition of studying the mediation theory and contributes to the emergence of another theoretical and methodological approach, explaining mediation from an institutional perspective. Special attention is given to the role of mediation within neo-institutionalist theory. The author suggests that the institution of international mediation can act as a "norm proposer" and "norm setter". These norms can later be incorporated into international law, which aims to prevent conflict escalation and maintain the stability of the world order. The author identifies several problems in mediation theory, including a lack of conceptual clarity, the absence of a unified interpretation of mediation (particularly regarding its subject matter), and the interchangeable use of concepts that are not identical in meaning.References
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