Aspects of mediation in the Mediterranean peace process

Abstract

As the title suggests, the general objective of this dissertation is to analyse the Mediterranean region and the prospects of peace through mediation. The Mediterranean has always been a level playing field of the most disputed conflicts in world politics. Hence a focus upon Mediterranean political culture helps us understand how the past has dealt with problems that lead us to the conflicts we have today. In modern politics mediation has evolved as an important tool in achieving possible peace and the international community has institutionalised a number of forums such as the United Nations and its related organisations or the Barcelona Process in order to promote mediation. Nevertheless we know that not all mediation attempts and efforts have been successful. Thus through analysing the various structures and institutions that have attempted to bring peace or mediate peaceful settlements, this research highlights success and failure, emphasising the absence of mediation as a political style of solving conflicts. The final focus has been narrowed to two different Mediterranean conflicts, namely Yugoslavia and the Middle East. Analysing each conflict, its process, actors and outcomes underlines the different mediation styles and alternatives used to solve conflicts and the importance of properly managed mediation. Finally, recognising that successful mediation depends upon various interdependent aspects, the discussion explores the Mediterranean to date, evaluating weakness and strengths in the Mediterranean Peace Process and concluding with an overview of how mediation can be a used as a tool in successfully bringing peace.