Peace talks are attempts to reach a negotiated settlement of a conflict between different parties. They may involve a variety of negotiations, but in any case they will require some degree of compromise by all sides. However, many peace processes are inherently skewed and often fail to produce a lasting agreement. This article looks at some of the reasons why this is the case and explores how to improve the odds of success for peace talks.
One of the main factors that determines whether or not a peace process will succeed is how seriously the parties involved are geared toward ending the war. Often, leaders think that “peace” means no fighting, and they believe that an agreement will end violence and suffering almost instantly. But this is rarely the case. Usually, negotiations take a long time and are grueling. The final agreement is only the result of a lengthy and complex process, and it is not immediately effective in stopping war and alleviating suffering.
Another reason why negotiations often fail to achieve lasting peace is that they are often skewed in the interests of the negotiating parties, rather than in the interests of the wider population. This is especially true in conflicts where the negotiating parties have committed serious human rights violations and war crimes. This can make it very difficult to be impartial in a negotiation, and it can be impossible to create an agreement that is acceptable to all sides.