Our world is changing – politically, economically, demographically, technologically and ecologically. New challenges, conflicts and actors emerge every day. Since coercive measures are not always the best way to resolve international conflicts, modern global governance requires other methods of conflict resolution. A look at the Middle East is particularly revealing: it is known as a region of unrest and reconciliation in equal measure - and for its culture of negotiation and bargaining.

In recent decades, therefore, the Middle East has increasingly engaged in mediation activities related to international conflicts in a variety of ways. The results have been interesting and diverse, and they can sometimes rival those of traditional global mediators.

This observation is discussed by Khaldoun Dia-Eddine, who continues to enrich the work of the ZHAW Center for Global Competitiveness with a reduced workload after his official retirement on August 1, with exciting guests at the ZHAW International Business Podium in honor of his many years of work. Together they raise questions and find sometimes surprising answers: Is the region consciously developing its diplomacy and mediation capacities? How can their cultural backgrounds be assessed? And what impact do these developments have on traditional mediation centers like Switzerland?