Why do they do it like this? An analysis of the factors influencing mediation behavior in international conflicts

Studies of international mediation traditionally have focused on the impact and effectiveness of mediation. This study examines mediator behavior and evaluates the factors that influence mediators' behavior and choice of stra tegies. Three contextual dimensions that exert influence on mediator behavi or are preexisting factors (the conflict context and identity of the partie s), concurrent factors (the identity of the mediator and actual mediation e vent), and background factors (the effect of information from previous medi ation efforts). An original data set of 295 international conflicts from 19 45 to 1995 is used to test a contingency model of mediation behavior The re sults of a multivariate analysis suggest that the conditions of the mediati on environment and the identity of the parties in conflict are the most sig nificant influences on mediator's choice of strategy.