The Mediation Handbook ─ Research, Theory and Practice

The Handbook of Mediation gathers leading experts across fields related to peace, justice, human rights, and conflict resolution to explore ways that mediation can be applied to a range of spectrums, including new age settings, relationships, organizations, institutions, communities, environmental conflicts, intercultural and international conflicts. The text is informed by cogent theory, state-of-the-art research, and best practices to provide the reader with a well-rounded understanding of mediation practice in contemporary times.

Based on four signature themes—contexts, skills and competencies, applications, and recommendations—the handbook provides theoretical, applicable, and practical insight into a variety of key approaches to mediation. Authors consider modern conflict on a local and global scale, emphasizing the importance of identifying conscious and unconscious biases to shape the nature of a mediation mindfully and effectively. With a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives, the text complements the development of students’ competencies and understanding in order to contribute to the advancement of the mediation field.

With a conversational tone that will welcome readers, this comprehensive book is essential reading for graduate students and professionals wanting to learn a wide range of potential interventions for conflict.

Alexia Georgakopoulos is a Professor in the Department of Conflict Studies at Nova Southeastern University, USA. She is the Director of the Institute of Conflict Resolution and Communication, a mediation training and consulting firm specializing in delivering educational training to professionals. A world class scholar and practitioner in mediation with numerous articles, book chapters, and speaking engagements, she was featured on NBC’s Today Show to discuss peace in the diverse world.