‘Peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it’ – Mohatma Gandhi
Living in a modern world of advanced communication and ever increasing global connectivity, has led to greater interdependence and integration with regards to the world economy and trade as well as the social and cultural aspects of our lives.
We have come to live in a global village.
Dalai Lama said it simply and wisely: “I find that because of modern technological evolution and our global economy, and as a result of the great increase in population, our world has greatly changed: it has become much smaller. However, our perceptions have not evolved at the same pace; we continue to cling to old national demarcations and the old feelings of 'us' and 'them'.” -
Globalization, as an accelerator of social change, may be said to be a catalyst for conflict, but it could also very well serve to improve conflict resolution.
Mediation has the power to transform the way people solve their disputes and is a better and effective way to resolve conflict.
In conducting cross-border or international mediation, the mediator is faced with a number of challenges, many times rooted in the cultural differences between the parties. Understanding the international aspect of mediation and developing the ‘soft skills’ required to positively manage cultural discrepancies and perceptions when resolving conflict is therefore of outmost importance.