Peace talks can be an essential step in preventing and resolving conflict. However, they involve compromises and building trust between enemies and can be difficult to get off the ground. The decisions that are made at the peace table can have a direct impact on a country’s post-conflict legal framework, called jus post bellum.
Many conflicting parties are often reluctant to engage in peace negotiations. They may fear their enemy would view them as weak if they agreed to talk, or they might want to maintain the advantage they have gained in battle and avoid any concessions that could undermine their fighting strength.
Interested states can encourage the parties to initiate negotiations by offering incentives, such as funding or a promise of international mediation. They can also enhance planning efforts by coordinating and streamlining the planning activities of interested stakeholders.
Negotiation support experts can help facilitate peace talks by assisting the parties in the preparation phase through confidential thematic working groups. They can also assist the mediator(s) and other key stakeholders in designing and shaping their peace talks agenda, evaluating potential compromises and providing technical expertise on logistical tasks.
Moreover, they can help to set clear milestones and benchmarks that can help ensure successful implementation. Lastly, they can support the inclusion of women and youth in peace processes. This is especially important as these groups have been affected more deeply by armed conflict and need to be heard in the negotiations.
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