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Identity, bargaining, and third-party mediation

Publication ,  Journal Article
Block, R; Siegel, DA
Published in: International Theory
January 1, 2011

This paper elucidates a theory of identity formation and applies it to the study of international negotiation. The theory acknowledges that actors/agents can adopt a multiplicity of identities, and it treats changes in the salience of identities as endogenous to the contextually dependent processes of interpersonal and intergroup interactions. Typically, strong identities are viewed as encouraging conflict and exacerbating interstate disputes. Our theory, however, suggests a palliative role for identity: third-party mediation can more effectively resolve conflicts when it enhances shared, if initially less salient, aspects of the disputants’ identities. We discuss several causal pathways through which the process of enhancing identity salience can increase the likelihood of successful conflict resolution, providing a complementary mechanism for the effectiveness of mediation to those extant in the literature. The paper concludes with a practical method for applying the theory's insights to the choice of mediator and the mediator's technique. © 2011, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Published In

International Theory

DOI

EISSN

1752-9727

ISSN

1752-9719

Publication Date

January 1, 2011

Volume

3

Issue

3

Start / End Page

416 / 449

Related Subject Headings

  • 1606 Political Science
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Block, R., & Siegel, D. A. (2011). Identity, bargaining, and third-party mediation. International Theory, 3(3), 416–449. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1752971911000169
Block, R., and D. A. Siegel. “Identity, bargaining, and third-party mediation.” International Theory 3, no. 3 (January 1, 2011): 416–49. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1752971911000169.
Block R, Siegel DA. Identity, bargaining, and third-party mediation. International Theory. 2011 Jan 1;3(3):416–49.
Block, R., and D. A. Siegel. “Identity, bargaining, and third-party mediation.” International Theory, vol. 3, no. 3, Jan. 2011, pp. 416–49. Scopus, doi:10.1017/S1752971911000169.
Block R, Siegel DA. Identity, bargaining, and third-party mediation. International Theory. 2011 Jan 1;3(3):416–449.
Journal cover image

Published In

International Theory

DOI

EISSN

1752-9727

ISSN

1752-9719

Publication Date

January 1, 2011

Volume

3

Issue

3

Start / End Page

416 / 449

Related Subject Headings

  • 1606 Political Science