The politics of process design in peace negotiations and mediation

Julia Palmiano Federer, Sara Hellmüller and Eemeli Isoaho

Chapter 12 in Handbook on the Politics of International Agreements, 2026, pp 185-196 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter focuses on (the politics of) process design of international negotiation and mediation processes, which seek to shift violent conflict toward a peace agreement or settlement. It posits that despite its increasing use over the last decade in theory and practice, the concept of process design remains poorly defined and underconceptualized. To address this issue, the chapter discusses different characteristics, elements, and dimensions of process design and how such design choices may impact the outcomes of negotiation and mediation. These include negotiation phases and strategies as well as the bargaining dynamics that underpin them. The chapter also discusses the role of a third party in designing mediation processes and various design dilemmas they may encounter. In closing, the chapter makes a case for future research agendas that view process design through a comprehensive, systemic framework rather than as disparate parts.

Keywords: Process Design; International Negotiation; International Mediation; Peace Processes; Outcomes; Systemic Thinking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035318582
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