The Challenges and Opportunities Confronting Modern Public Policy Mediators
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Because public policy mediation involves negotiation with multiple parties, includes a range of decision-making processes, and often occurs over a long period of time, mediators in this arena confront a unique array of challenges. These responsibilities, along with many others, present unique challenges that don’t exist in other practice areas. Public policy mediators often must convince decisionmakers that mediation is a worthwhile investment of time and money; clearly describe the scope of the process; work with groups to identify the best representatives; figure out how to get people to the table; and help parties work out ways to implement agreements. Over the last 40 years, public policy mediators have successfully identified common challenges and developed best practices to share with others.
This article builds on that tradition of sharing lessons learned by exploring three challenges that have changed the practice of public policy mediation and offering advice about how to use them to good advantage. These challenges include the widespread use of new technologies, the increased popularity of interest-based negotiation techniques, and the rise in populist political movements.
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