Peace talks are the heart of peacemaking, and yet, their record is mixed. Some wars grind on despite many efforts to arrange and encourage a settlement, while others are brought to an end with stunning speed. But there is also a lingering skepticism about peace processes, especially since the gruesome mass killings of Rwanda in 1994.
Many obstacles to the success of peace negotiations are intrinsic to the conflict itself. For instance, the stakes in some civil wars are too high for protagonists to take the risk of a negotiated solution that may require disarmament. The case of Bosnia in 1992-1995 is illustrative, where the laying down of arms entailed potentially a life-or-death choice for Bosnian Muslims.
Other obstacles arise from the fact that a peace process must juggle competing demands. In most cases, a successful mediation requires that the disputants agree on a strategic idea that clarifies the way out of their stalemate. It also requires that the mediators have an adequate base of support in the society, and that they are not perceived as allied with one of the warring factions.
There are many ways that individuals can help to promote the cause of peace, including participating in a local group or network that organizes events or initiatives related to peace, justice, and/or reconciliation. Individuals can work to transform structures tied to the dynamics of conflict, violence, and injustice, such as removing monuments to war ‘heroes’ or bigots; or creating community spaces that are accessible and family-friendly and that promote social learning and peacemaking activities.