international conflicts. For instance, school medi- ation programs are useful throughout all levels of schools. Although some mediators want only agree- ment, others strive for transformation of the con- flict parties. Regardless of the desired outcome, however, mediation processes and skills vary depending on the particular stage of mediation, beginning with softer skills such as listening and ending with setting rules so the parties can keep their agreements. There are profound differences in third-party intervention across cultures; Eastern cultures, for example, often use extended networks of people to help parties keep agreements, whereas Western cultures generally do not. Helpers can focus attention on the proactive design of dispute systems to handle conflicts as they arise.