Psychological and Legal Foundations of Mediation in Ethnopolitical Conflicts
Abstract
Abstract. The article examines the psychological and legal foundations of mediation in ethnopolitical conflicts as one of the most promising nonviolent means of their prevention, settlement, and mitigation of negative consequences. The relevance of mediation is substantiated in the context of growing interethnic tension, increasing complexity of political relations, the spread of discriminatory practices, negative stereotypes, and crisis forms of intergroup interaction. The interdisciplinary nature of mediation is emphasized, as it lies at the intersection of psychology, law, conflict studies, political science, and ethnopsychology. The essence of mediation is clarified as a procedure of voluntary, confidential, and neutral third-party facilitation aimed at achieving a mutually acceptable solution without coercion. The article analyzes the psychological mechanisms underlying ethnopolitical conflicts, including group identity, ethnocentrism, frustration, aggression, resource deprivation, negative stereotypes, and the manipulative influence of political elites. It is demonstrated that traditional diplomatic and purely legal instruments do not always take into account the emotional and value-based dimensions of conflict interaction, whereas mediation makes it possible to reduce emotional tension, establish communication, create an atmosphere of trust, and shift the conflict into a constructive framework. The principles of mediation, its functions, and the mediator’s competencies are characterized, with particular attention given to procedural, legal, conflictological, and communicative competencies. It is argued that the effectiveness of mediation in ethnopolitical conflicts is determined by the combination of psychological influence and legal regulation. The article concludes that mediation should be regarded not only as an alternative dispute resolution procedure, but also as an important instrument for preserving social stability, interethnic understanding, and long-term peace.
Keywords: mediation; ethnopolitical conflict; psychological and legal foundations; conflict studies; ethnopsychology; interethnic relations; mediator; negotiations; legal regulation.
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