Peace talks seek to end armed conflict by engaging belligerents in negotiations. Such negotiations are essential to the resolution of most armed conflicts, but they rarely succeed and, even when an agreement is reached, it doesn’t always last.
Various approaches to peace talks have been used throughout history, with the most common being a combination of building trust and listening to grievances. These activities can help parties envision a future where their needs are met. In addition, an effective mediator can amplify the voice of those who have been excluded from negotiations.
However, the effectiveness of peace talks depends on the right timing and a wide range of other factors. Waiting for the “right moment” to start high-level talks can prolong a conflict unnecessarily and lead to mass suffering. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was one such instance.
The success of peace negotiations also depends on whether the parties consider them worthwhile. In this context, a peace treaty can provide legitimacy for the new order that emerges after a war. It can also contribute to the legal framework for the post-conflict period, or jus post bellum.
Interested parties can try to motivate those in conflict to agree to talk, by, for example, offering financial incentives. They can also try to find ways to shorten wars by proposing peace talks early, such as when the initial outbreak of hostilities is first reported. Moreover, they can encourage the participation of women in negotiations. The latter can lead to greater attention to gender-related issues in the deliberations and the text of peace agreements, and broader discussions on the root causes of conflict – including those related to poverty, global inequalities and exploitation.