Mediation as a method of international dispute resolution

Mediation is currently the most frequently used method for the resolution of armed conflicts in the international relations. Thanks to the participation of a neutral third party as a mediator it is possible to conduct peace negotiations even in the cases when participants are not willing to communicate directly with each other. The study summarizes the basic theoretical knowledge concerning the mediation, describes mediator's role, different forms and styles of mediation and other factors, that have influence on it. This knowledge is applied to the two case studies. Summits in Camp David in 1978 and 2000 are described in terms of initial conditions, course, participants and their styles of negotiation and last but not least their success. By comparing these two summits, the author formulates conclusions, which reflect the mediation efforts by the United States of America in their endeavor to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and which highlight the greatest difficulties of the peace talks