Culture, conflict resolution, peacekeeper training and the D mediator

Abstract

Peacekeeper training originally concentrated on technical skills, with less attention given to background historical and cultural elements relevant to specific conflicts. This study highlights the related topics of culture, conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation. Various concepts and interrelated topics, if applied in training, provide peacekeepers with a basic ‘tool kit’. From this starting point they develop their own strategies at the micro‐level when interacting with other participants in their mission or members of the host culture. Comparisons are made between the A‐C mediator profiles and the D mediator. The latter specializes, notably but not exclusively, in intractable conflicts and contributes to the overall effectiveness of a multifunctional peace support operation.