De-escalation initiatives are less likely when the adversary is seen as being cruel or unreasonable. The presence and relative importance of other concurrent conflicts can influence de- escalation initiatives. Increasing tensions in one conflict can make other conflicts seem less important and so prompt de-escalation initiatives. Allies may feel threatened by a conflict and pressure the disputing nations to de-escalate. Conversely allies may feel they also have vital interests at stake in a conflict, and so resist de-escalation moves.
Intermediaries can play an important role in facilitating de-escalation initiatives.
Third party intervention may be needed to break an institutionalized cycle of conflict. Skilled intermediaries may be able to reframe the issues, making a mutually satisfactory agreement possible. Intermediaries can also help to enhance parity between the adversarial parties. The relative power of the adversaries and the degree to which they accept each other as legitimate parties are important factors influencing de-escalation initiatives. The parties must be approximately equal in power for de-escalation to be initiated.