WorldJune 30, 2026

mediation

/ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃən/

Definition

The act of intervening between disputing parties to help them reach an agreement or resolve a conflict.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'mediare', meaning 'to be in the middle.' It entered Middle English through the Old French 'mediation' as a way to describe the role of a go-between in negotiations.

In the news

Although the text focuses on broader diplomacy and conflict resolution, mediation is the core practice by which international actors navigate disputes to achieve peace treaties and cooperative solutions.

What is international affairs? Understanding a global field of study

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University of Cincinnati

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