ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the Commonwealth and United Nations had an interest in the conflict and in obtaining an outcome and played distinct roles. It provides general questions about the methods or types of mediation and their appropriateness for certain phases of a conflict-resolution phase and call into question the generalisations about the determinants of success by international third parties in South Africa’s negotiated transition. The book examines the main research debates regarding international mediation strategies, their efficacy and their consequences for the peace-making process. It also provides analysis of the South African conflict. The book shows that while the literature on international mediation has made progress towards understanding the conditions under which mediation processes help resolve conflict, there is a lack of consensus regarding the question of strategy in international mediation, and how to conceptualise success.
