2014/06/26 by Magnus Lundgren, Isak Svensson · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Political Conflict and Governance #International Development and Aid #Peacebuilding and International Security
paper · doi:10.1163/15718069-12341280
openalex publication_date 2014/06/26 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/05
Two characteristics of mediators – bias and leverage – are discussed intensively in the research on international mediation. However, whereas bias and leverage have been examined in mediation by states, relatively little is known about their role in mediation by international organizations ( io s). This study provides new ways of conceptualizing io bias and leverage and utilizes unique data to measure the impact of io bias and leverage on mediation outcomes. Exploring all cases of civil war mediation by io s in the period 1975–2004, we find that io s where member states provide support to both sides in a conflict outperform io s whose member states remain disinterested. io s with significant trade leverage also increase the likelihood of mediation success. The study demonstrates that io s rarely have a neutral relationship to civil war combatants, that mediation by io s is laden with member state interests, and that such interests shape outcomes.