Among other influences, a specific set of factors, which are related to the belligerents, any third parties that intervene, or both of them, determine whether a conflict is likely to see mediation efforts in the first place and ultimately the prospects for successful mediation outcomes. However, although there is an extensive body of literature, previous research has rarely addressed the interaction between these actors in conflict and mediation attempts, i.e., how both belligerents and/or mediating parties are tied to each other and how they coordinate an intervention. In order to address these shortcomings, Tobias Böhmelt examines four interrelated, albeit different issues of actors' interaction in international mediation as a tool for settling conflicts peacefully.