Extension of the call for submissions of article number 25

Central Theme (Dossier)

Mediation as a Path to the Peaceful Transformation of Conflicts

Mediation has become established in recent decades as a fundamental tool for the peaceful transformation of conflicts, both in interpersonal contexts and in community, institutional, and international settings. The current global situation is marked by international conflicts, political crises, and structural inequalities. In this context, mediation is a necessary alternative to excessive litigation and violence. This practice, based on dialogue, participation, and the search for consensus-based solutions, not only prevents the escalation of conflicts but also promotes a culture of peace, inclusion, and justice.

Mediation has acquired increasing relevance in the reform of justice systems, in strengthening the social fabric, and in political transition processes. From alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to multilateral diplomacy, its application has expanded to various areas with remarkable success. In both Latin America and Europe, regulatory frameworks and public policies have evolved to include mediation as a strategic pillar for sustainable development, access to justice, and democratic coexistence.

This dossier aims to bring together works that address mediation from a historical, theoretical, and practical perspective, highlighting relevant experiences, legal frameworks, and current challenges. We are interested in fostering a multidisciplinary and intercultural approach that reflects the richness and diversity of this practice, as well as its transformative potential in different contexts.

The relevance of this dossier lies in the need to generate specialized and context-specific knowledge about mediation at a time when the training of mediators, the consolidation of professional networks, and the exchange of best practices are crucial. We also seek to contribute to the bi-regional dialogue between Latin America and Europe, promoting academic cooperation and mutual learning around mediation as an instrument for peace, equity, and social cohesion.

 

Thematic Axes

1. Mediation in History

Origin and Development of Mediation
This section addresses the historical development of mediation as a conflict resolution mechanism, from customary practices in traditional societies to its incorporation into contemporary legal systems. It will analyze antecedents such as forms of conciliation in Roman law, indigenous community-based conflict resolution practices, and the first modern regulations on mediation in various countries. It will also reflect on the transition from informal mediation to its institutionalization and its connection to movements such as restorative justice and the culture of peace.

Mediation in Latin America
This section will analyze the public policies, legislation, institutions, and social practices that have promoted mediation in various Latin American countries. It will highlight experiences in community, educational, and judicial mediation in contexts marked by inequalities, structural violence, and processes of democratic transition. It will also consider the synergies between formal law and traditional and intercultural forms of conflict resolution, as well as the role of universities, mediation networks, and cooperation agencies.

Mediation in Europe
This section examines the evolution of mediation in Europe, with particular attention to Directive 2008/52/EC on mediation in civil and commercial matters. It will explore national models (such as those of Spain, Italy, France, and Germany), the role of the courts, and the training of accredited mediators.

2. Types and Areas of Mediation

International Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy
This course explores the use of mediation in international conflicts and its connection to preventive diplomacy, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and peacebuilding. Experiences promoted by the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of American States, and non-state actors will be considered. The role of mediation in peace negotiations, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, geopolitical tensions, and cross-border environmental conflicts will also be examined, highlighting the role of women and civil society.

Family, Civil, and Commercial Mediation
This course reviews the regulatory frameworks and best practices in the three main areas of application of formal mediation: family conflicts (separations, custody, inheritances), civil conflicts (neighborhood disputes, leases), and commercial conflicts (contractual relationships, corporate disputes). The advantages of mediation over judicial proceedings, ethical and professional standards, and intervention strategies for complex conflicts or conflicts involving unequal power will also be analyzed.

Community Mediation
This track focuses on mediation as a tool for strengthening the social fabric in urban, rural, and peri-urban communities. Projects for violence prevention, neighborhood conflict management, and the promotion of coexistence through citizen participation will be studied. The contribution of mediation to the regeneration of public spaces, the resolution of intercultural tensions, and collaborative governance in diverse and vulnerable environments will also be assessed.

Intercultural Mediation
This track seeks to analyze the challenges and opportunities of mediation in contexts of cultural, ethnic, or religious diversity. Issues such as legal pluralism, the mediator's cultural competence, the recognition of traditional practices, human rights, and gender equality will be addressed. This track is particularly relevant in multicultural or postcolonial societies and allows for reflection on how to build bridges of dialogue and understanding based on respect for diverse identities and values.

3. Contemporary Challenges of Mediation

Digital Mediation and New Technologies
This section offers a critical perspective on the challenges facing mediation in today's world: digitization and online mediation, conflicts arising from artificial intelligence and algorithmic governance, virtual reality in digital mediation processes, its emerging regulation, and the specialized training required for mediators in the technological environment.

New Fields of Application: Criminal Mediation and Restorative Justice
This section seeks to examine the foundations, regulatory frameworks, and experiences of mediation and restorative justice in criminal matters, especially through comparative studies. Among others, the experiences of Ecuador, Portugal, Belgium, and Germany can be mentioned, for which institutional protocols, eligibility criteria, ethical and quality standards, online dispute resolution (ODR) for minor offenses, and impact metrics could be analyzed comparatively.

New Fields of Application: Climate, Educational, Healthcare, University, and Other Mediation
This section proposes to analyze the new challenges of mediation in the current context, emphasizing emerging areas where mediation can be implemented, such as climate, educational, healthcare, university, and other mediation.

Training and Professionalization in Mediation
This section examines academic programs, quality standards, professional certifications, and continuing education strategies in mediation. Attention will be paid to the connection between university education, practical training, and professional networks. The need for critical and interdisciplinary training, capable of integrating legal, psychological, social, pedagogical, and philosophical knowledge, will also be assessed.

Mediator Skills
This section delves into the technical, emotional, ethical, and communicative competencies required of an effective mediator. Topics covered will include active listening, reframing, impartiality, emotional management, creativity, trust building, collaborative decision-making, and transformative neutrality. We will also reflect on professional ethics, the mediator's self-care, and reflective practices in complex or emotionally complex environments.

 

Dossier Coordination

Esther Souto Galván holds a PhD in Law and is a Professor of Law at the UNED (National University of Distance Education). She is an expert in mediation, human rights, and peacebuilding. She has directed the UNED's Modular Course in Mediation for over 15 years and coordinates international conflict resolution training programs with the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica. She has lectured at universities in Europe and Latin America, as well as at the UN. She is the director of the mediation and international mediation collections at Dykinson Publishers and of the international research group TABA. She has participated in and directed European projects (RISE, Erasmus+) focused on gender, inclusion, and mediation, and is an expert evaluator for the European Commission. Her academic career combines teaching, university administration, research, and educational innovation geared toward conflict resolution, mediation, higher education policies in Spain and internationally, and human rights. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9836-7507

Rosana Lorena Granja Martínez is a lawyer from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, holds a Master's degree in International Environmental Law from the Central University of Ecuador, and a Master's degree in Family Law and Inheritance Systems from UNED, where she is currently pursuing doctoral studies. She has worked as a university professor in undergraduate and graduate programs at higher education institutions in Ecuador, such as the University of the Americas, SEK International University, and Equinoctial Technological University. She is an accredited mediator authorized by Consenso-Ecuador and a founding partner of the law firm Maroselle Asociados, where she has developed extensive professional practice, with a special emphasis on issues related to children and adolescents. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0168-6246

 

Indications

• Articles, reviews, and interviews should be submitted through our website using the Submissions button, until Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
• Contributions can be written in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.
• Only contributions that adhere to the Editorial Policy, style manual, and citation rules of the magazine will be accepted.
• All contributions must be original and cannot be simultaneously submitted to other journals.
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