Being a political scientist doesn't make one a good leader / persuader (evidence: very few of them become leaders naturally); and
although knowledge of the subject matter can help one be better at it, that's why a politician has advisers / staff who ARE experts at such studies.
Although mediators with technical
knowledge and experience can not give advice to the parties, they can rely upon their familiarity with the
subject matter to ask questions which help the parties to properly consider the benefits and drawbacks
of settlement options.