Peace talks are a cornerstone of conflict resolution, and are often the only way for warring parties to negotiate mutually acceptable terms of settlement. But successful talks aren’t easy to come by.
Negotiators need to know the context in which their talks are taking place and understand the specific drivers of conflict to develop realistic compromises, evaluate design options for the peace process, and settle logistical issues such as time and venue. This requires in-depth knowledge about the underlying causes of the conflict, and expertise across a range of fields including conflict analysis, businesspeople, legal advisors, administration, logistics, and country or regional experts.
Mediators must also find the right mix of people to bring to a negotiation table. They have to find those with the capacity and inclination to engage in difficult and long-lasting negotiations, which can often be highly contentious and emotionally charged. They must also build trust with their counterparts, and make clear what they stand to gain – and lose – through an agreement.
Another obstacle that mediators must overcome is the threat of spoilers – individuals or factions who will do everything they can to derail a negotiation and cause violence in its wake. Spoilers are sometimes third parties, such as terrorist groups or rogue commanders, but they can also be elements within the main negotiating sides. Some key studies suggest that mediators need to aggressively test the motives of all negotiating parties and reward those who are prepared to take risks for peace, while identifying and weakening spoilers.
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