Peace talks are meetings that aim to settle a conflict by reaching a diplomatic solution. They are not necessarily limited to one-on-one negotiations, but also might include informal group discussions and broader meetings with multiple stakeholders. Talks can address both armed and non-armed conflicts. The most successful peace talks have been those that reached a comprehensive settlement, but even less-inclusive talks can be beneficial to reduce conflict and establish a framework for future peace agreements.
In determining whether to participate in peace talks, warring parties weigh how much they’re willing to compromise on their core positions. Leaders also consider how their enemies will respond to signs that they’re preparing to negotiate and what they might do in response. If leaders believe that their enemies—and their own constituents—will view a willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness, they will continue fighting.
When a peace agreement is reached, implementation mechanisms are put in place to promote the agreement’s enforcement and help resolve disagreements over its implementation. These organizational components are often the most challenging part of peace negotiations, but they can have a long-lasting impact on the stability and longevity of the peace agreement.
The most successful peace talks involve a wide range of participants. In addition to government and armed rebel representatives, civil society actors are key in many peacebuilding efforts. For example, a diverse national women’s coalition mobilized to insist that the Colombian peace negotiations between the FARC and government included significant gender provisions.
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