Interculturality in the concept of peace mediation

Abstract

This chapter examines the role and relevance of, as well as responses to, interculturality in peace mediation. It starts from the observation that interculturality—despite the high relevance suggested by individual studies—has surprisingly little explanatory power and operational significance in that field. It argues that a consistent approach to assessing and addressing interculturality in peace mediation processes would be very beneficial; and that there already exist elements in the field that could be integrated into such an approach. After preparing the terminological and conceptual ground, the chapter discusses possible reasons for the rather peripheral role of interculturality in peace mediation, highlights responses of the field's classic (interest- and identity-based) and novel (hybrid, adaptive, and agonistic) approaches to intercultural issues, and concludes with a selection of remaining gaps and building blocks for dealing more consistently with interculturality in peace mediation.