International Conflict Resolution and Management

Mediation on the other hand is a conflict resolution and management process that demands the use of a third party who then becomes a neutral mediator whose main responsibility is to assist the warring parties to come to an amicable and mutually agreeable solution through constructive dialogue, active discussion and negotiation of the issues presented that are plaguing them. There are multiple advantages to be accrued as a result of using mediation as a tool for conflict resolution and management. These benefits include but are not limited to, the process is less costly, it is non-legalistic, very flexible, allows the aggrieved parties to speak and be heard, the process also allows for impartiality and mutual consensus on the eventual solution whereby all the parties involved are able to accept the outcome consequently leading to sustainable peace.

The mediator plays a critical role in ensuring a successful mediation process. Some of the duties and responsibilities of the mediator include ensuring effective communication between or among disputants and ensuring that a conducive environment is maintained which goes a long way in enhancing trust and confidence among the participants as well as encourage the disputants to open up and speak up. Additionally, the mediator plays the role of a facilitator whose job is to ensure active mediation and listening to and by the disputing parties. Moreover, the mediator is also employed to ensure that the outcome of the mediation process is a positive one, amicable and agreeable to all.u00a0 In light of the critical role played the mediator, it becomes essential for he or she to be a good listener and with the ability to correctly and interpret both verbal and non-verbal cues as the disputants are (Bercovitch et al., 2009). It is imperative to note that a mediator is not a decision maker rather, he or she assists and guides the disputing parties in their communication and agreement.

Lastly, the use of arbitration as a conflict resolution and management method places an arbitratoru00a0in the role a judge. In arbitration, it is as if the case has gone to court. Theu00a0main role of the arbitratoru00a0is to hear arguments and keenly critique evidence presented by the disputing parties in an effort to come up with and actually make the best decision possible. The arbitrator is a decision maker and he or she first listens to both sides of a presented dispute and is afterwards charged with the responsibility of making decisions that then legally bind the parties involved all in effort to resolveu00a0the issues presented. The major benefit attributed to arbitration as a tool for conflict resolution and management is that it offers a much less costly way to resolve disputes which is a better alternative to litigation which can be costly. Given the key role an arbitrator plays, it is of essence that he or she should have extensive knowledge and experience in handling the arbitration process and in making impartial decisions based on the applicable law and presented facts and evidence (Bercovitch et al., 2009).