Leverage in international mediation. The approach of faith-based mediation by the Community of Sant’Egidio

Abstract

The topic of this master thesis is leverage in international mediation and it focuses on the empirical study of the faith-based mediation by the Catholic Lay NGO called the Community of Sant’Egidio. The religious aspects shaping their mediation approach are studied through three empirical case studies in the context of peace processes in Mozambique, Liberia, and Casamance in Senegal to find out the particular resources they can draw on when conducting mediation, and the challenges that follow from their mediation approach. In the traditional view of theory on leverage The Community of Sant’Egidio is not viewed as leveraged mediator capable of influencing the mediation process. Nevertheless the theory of capability and credibility leverage as well as theory on faith-based mediation shows that there are more ways of being an influential and capable mediator than just material power. The religious aspects are a source of motivation for Sant’Egidio to conduct mediation. Through their religious identity they can also get unique moral and spiritual leverage and to connect with people through their Communities worldwide helping them to get involved indirectly to peace processes establishing personal relationships with local religious, and political actors as well as civil society. Furthermore other particular resources, which they can draw on when conducting mediation are their reputation as credible, legitimate, and honest broker as well as their financial support and donations, which enable them to stay engaged in mediation. Their identity as a neutral and disinterest mediator is challenged because of their increased capability and credibility leverage.