Although there are five ways by which third party can be initiated, but their operational modality can only occur on three levels of neutrality.
These include:
3.3.1 Authoritative Third party
An authoritative third party possesses enormous power and clout to deal with the parties and conflict at stake. Such authority generates from the skills, knowledge, and experience he has gathered over the years, including the popularity he enjoys in the competence of third party conflict resolution, just as some solicitors and advocates receive high patronage and respect based on the complex cases they have won including their knowledge in legal matters. Authority is based on superior knowledge, skills and experience. It is commonly rewarded with respect, honour and sometimes obedience and followerships. With such qualities too, sometimes he is tempted to use power convincingly.
Most authoritative third party mediators are usually appointed and funded by international organizations, such as the United Nations, European Union (EU), African Union (AU), etc.
3.3.2 Independent Third Party
An independent third party refers to neutral mediator who has no entrenched interest or intention to enrich himself or herself upon his opportunity to mediate. They are well-respected former national or international public officers. They attempt to bring their expertise and philosophy of peace on the resolution of conflicts. The objective of a third neutral third party is to ensure that conflict is resolved. Sometimes, they are appointed to officiate as mediators, some other times they are not but take up the task based on voluntary initiative. They raise funds by themselves for this purpose. Examples are former US President, Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, and Abdusalami Abubakar of Nigeria.
3.3.3 Social Network Mediator
Social Network mediator is more or less a realist. He believes in immediate or larger environmental peace. In other words, peace for mankind informs his motivation. The African traditional peace brokerage system involving religious groups, family or one community intervening in other two communities conflict based on their common history and consanguinity, are good examples of the social network
mediators. Some Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also found here.
SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
Examine various levels of third party intervention you have studied 4.0 CONCLUSION
Conflict resolution styles are numerous. It includes the conventional litigation processes, such as adjudication, arbitration and panel of inquiry. A panel of inquires may not necessarily provide a resolution to a conflict. But its focus is often centred on the causes. However, its recommendations may offer ways of resolving a conflict. The other alternative ways of conflict resolution include third party mediation, good governance, conciliation, collaboration communication etc. In particular, this essay is designed to focus on the third party mediation process. There are two types namely the typical mediation groups appointed by government, international organizations, an NGO who wishes to use its skills and professional competence funded by any given body; and independent third party professionals who utilize same opportunity to bring settlement into a conflict.
For that purpose, we often have independent third party or those appointed by international organization (the authoritative ones). Such differences would determine who would raise the funds to finance the resolution.
5.0 SUMMARY
Conflict is common to all societies. Yet there must be opportunities for reconciliation within the precepts of order, reconciliatory spirit and consensus. In fact, conflict resolution is a conscious attempt to build a civilized society. And the activity of civilized societies is too complex and important to be left in the blind regulation of impulse or organized hypocrisy. There are many types of conflict resolution, such as adjudication, arbitration and mediation (third party intervention) to include traditional/community-based method Good Governance Collaboration Negotiation and Conciliation.
The role of third party in conflict management is fast receiving wide acceptance in research and practical challenges. It is a mediator or someone who does not have the power or authority to coerce parties in conflict to accept his verdict. Not all conflicts are susceptible to third party intervention and resolution in the immediate circumstance.
Sometimes, inadequate information, insincerity on the part of one or all
the parties in the conflict, regarding commitment to peace, including the complex nature of a particular conflict may present skeptical conditions of having a conflict resolved. Also, some third party mediators are 100%
independent. While others are appointed, implying an authoritative power.
For that purpose, we often have independent third party or those appointed by international organization (the authoritative ones). Such differences would determine who would raise the funds to finance the resolution.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT
In what ways can third party mediation be initiated?
7.0 REFERENCES / FURTHER READINGS
Fisher, R and Ury, W (1991). Getting to Yes Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, New York: Penguin Books.
Lijphart, A. (1977). Democracy in Plural Societies; A Comparative Exploration, New Haven: Yale University.
Walton, R. E. (1987). Managing Conflict; Interpersonal Dialogue and Third Party Roles, Atlanta Park: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.
Walton, R. E. and Mckersie, R. B. (1965) A Behavioural theory of labour Negotiation in
UNIT 4 OBLIGATIONS OF PARTIES IN CONFLICT IN