Peace talks are one of the most common ways of ending conflict. In the last 50 years, over 1800 formalised peace agreements have been signed by conflict parties in over 150 different peace processes (PA-X Peace Agreement Database).
Although there are many differences between these different peace talks, the overall trajectories of the negotiations seem to follow similar patterns. These trajectories may be explained in part by the fact that conflict dynamics often shape the negotiation framework independently of its structural and contextual conditions.
For example, a government’s interest in negotiating from a position of relative strength is likely to influence the scope and sequencing of discussions. A government may also try to highlight the other side’s weaknesses in order to compel it to accept more of its demands. However, these negotiations do not always succeed.
Likewise, mediators play a vital role in building trust and enabling the parties to imagine a peaceful future. Contrary to popular perception, they do not have to be completely neutral and unbiased. For example, the former president of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, mediated a successful peace process between the government of Cote d’Ivoire and the rebellious Forces Nouvelles.
Other key factors in peace talks include the involvement of third parties, the nature of the conflict, and the availability of a suitable venue. While the international community often plays a central role in conflict prevention and mediation, it is less involved in peace processes once conflicts have escalated and reached the negotiating table. It is important to identify the right individuals who will participate in the peace process and to provide them with adequate resources and support.