Since the end of cold war, mediation processes have become more and more complex. Today, peacemediation includes a variety of actors, ranging from states, international organizations, NGOs to theprivate sector. Despite a growing number of practical examples for business engagement in conflicttransformation, there are only a few insights into the contributions of business actors to mediationprocesses. Thus, the aim of this working paper is to shed light on this less researched and discussedissue by assessing: (1) the types of business actors that are involved in mediation processes; (2) thedifferent roles that business actors can play in peace mediation; (3) how and when they can best beinvolved in the mediation process; and, (4) the specific circumstances and context factors thatinfluence their involvement. The results show that private business actors have an important role toplay in Track 1 mediation processes, by providing resources, expertise, networks, and by lobbying forpeace. While this research focused on track 1 and 1.5 mediation processes, the study finds that(local) business actors have the potential to play a relevant and active role in lower tracks asmediators and facilitators.
展开▼
