Ndërmjetës

Ndërmjetës is an Albanian term referring to a person or entity that acts as an intermediary between two or more parties to facilitate communication, negotiation, or exchange. The ndërmjetës helps bridge gaps in information, align interests, and enable voluntary agreements without imposing a binding decision.

Etymology: from ndër meaning between and mjet meaning means or instrument, yielding a literal sense of “one who provides a means between parties.” In everyday usage, ndërmjetës can describe brokers, agents, or go-between figures in commercial, social, or political contexts.

Contexts and roles: In commerce, an ndërmjetës facilitates trade, such as a broker, agent, or procurement intermediary who connects buyers and sellers. In law or conflict resolution, an ndërmjetës or mediator coordinates discussions, helps identify interests, and promotes settlements, ideally remaining neutral and not imposing outcomes. In diplomacy, an intermediary may shuttle proposals between conflicting parties or states to reduce tensions and explore possible solutions.

Differences from related roles: a ndërmjetës differs from an arbitrator who issues binding decisions; from a consultant who provides advice; from an agent who represents a client in transactions; or from a pure go-between who merely passes messages. Benefits of mediation include lower transaction costs, faster resolution, and preserved relationships; risks include potential conflicts of interest, issues of transparency, and dependence on the intermediary.

See also: mediator, broker, arbitration, diplomacy.