For much of the 20th century, a conflict’s end was typically achieved on the battlefield or at the peace table, in which governments and armed non-state actors traded violence for an agreement. Now, more than ever before, a large majority of wars end at the negotiating table. This shift is largely due to the international community’s increased emphasis on peace talks. More than half of all armed conflicts that ended in the past decade did so through a negotiated settlement.
But a successful peace process is complex. It requires more than just a series of face-to-face conversations. It must address the underlying causes of a conflict, and ensure that peace is sustained. And it must deal with obstacles such as the ubiquity of spoilers (individuals or groups that want to sabotage negotiations), commitment problems, and cross-border risks.
A key factor in successful peace talks is ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are involved in the process. This includes enabling civil society participation, as well as giving them a meaningful platform in the negotiation process. This allows them to articulate important issues and ensures that they are taken seriously.
Another essential factor in successful peace talks is determining whether the moment is ripe for a settlement. This is a condition that is often sensed intuitively by those closest to the situation. But more systematic assessments of a host of variables can improve prediction and support the development of an effective strategy for overcoming barriers to peace.