This publication analyses the characteristics of today’s violent conflicts, the factors that influence the success and failure of peace processes, and the current strengths and weaknesses of international support. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to peace processes, and for long-term international support that lasts well beyond the peace agreement. The report’s seven recommendations include supporting the implementation of an agreement as a process of continued political dialogue, and helping leaders to develop the ability to build bridges in societies in conflict.
Peace processes hold the promise of re-starting non-violent efforts towards creating more equitable, resilient and developed societies. Yet, such processes are politically and psychologically complex, as well as high-risk. Many fail and such failure is harmful, as it reduces confidence and increases cynicism amongst parties to a conflict, citizens and international partners alike. International support can help a peace process to succeed but its nature and quality matter greatly.
Violent conflict is deeply influenced by, and interwoven with, the interdependencies and opportunities of a globalising world. It involves local, regional and global factors. This requires international support to take a comprehensive approach to peace processes that integrates conflict prevention, peacekeeping and development. In addition, international actors need to stay engaged: a peace agreement is only the start of their involvement, as conflicts can easily flare up again.
Ingredients for success in a peace process relate to: the context (such as seizing the ‘ripe’ time for resolving a conflict, and stimulating the ability of leaders to mobilise and engage broad coalitions); the process (such as inclusiveness and thorough preparation); and implementation (such as seeing implementation as a process of political dialogue, and enabling conflict parties to make a successful political transformation).
Weaknesses of current international support:
- The dominance of international views and priorities
- Weak cooperation among development, mediation and security actors
- A lack of conflict sensitivity and of the ability to learn from mistakes
- A lack of fit-for-purpose financial and human resources.
Strengths of current international support:
- International tools and techniques create pressure for peace
- Integrated international resources and action provide vital support to long-term peace
- Global-regional-local partnerships create context-specific sustainable responses to conflict.
The report recommends that policymakers:
- Develop practical incentives for more coordinated support for peace processes
- Ensure that international mediation teams have diverse and up-to-date skills
- Reallocate financial resources to increase international support
- Conduct joint conflict analysis and agree on a joint support strategy wherever possible
- Link international support more effectively to regional and local conflict resolution mechanisms
- Support the implementation of an agreement as a process of continued political dialogue
- Help leaders develop the ability to build bridges in societies in conflict.
