Crossing Borders into New Ethical Territory: Ethical Challenges When Mediating Cross-Culturally

Abstract

No mediator wants to be charged with cultural imperialism when mediating private international disputes. And yet, mediators run this risk whenever the mediator resists doing what the parties want done. This cultural challenge is different than what mediators customarily encounter. Instead of the gap arising between the parties, the gap is between the mediator and the parties. In this article, I will consider how a mediator might ethically bridge mediator-parties gaps while generally avoiding the harsh charge of cultural imperialism. Through a hypothetical in which a mediator's values clash with the values of the parties, I will develop a four step approach for international mediators.

Keywords: mediation, cross-cultural dispute, cultural conflict, cultural gap, culture, ethics