Peacemaking

Peacemaking is the process of creating conditions for the cessation of violence and the establishment of a sustainable peace through diplomacy and political means. It aims to resolve the underlying causes of conflict and to produce agreements that reduce the likelihood of renewed fighting. Peacemaking is distinct from peacekeeping, which uses military means to create a secure environment, and from peacebuilding, which follows peace agreements to rebuild institutions and governance.

Core tools and approaches include diplomacy, negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, along with confidence-building measures, fact-finding, and track II diplomacy that engages non-governmental actors and former combatants. Peacemaking can be initiated by states, international organizations, regional bodies, or non-governmental organizations, and often involves third-party mediators or neutral facilitators. Outcomes may range from ceasefires and peace agreements to transitional arrangements, governance formulas, and electoral processes, sometimes incorporating power-sharing, justice reforms, or institutional reforms.

Settings for peacemaking span intra-state conflicts (civil wars) and inter-state disputes, and occur within domestic or international arenas. Successful peacemaking tends to require local ownership, broad inclusivity of affected groups, addressing root causes such as inequality and human rights abuses, and credible mechanisms to monitor and enforce agreements.

Notable examples include the Camp David Accords, the Oslo Peace Process, and the Colombian peace talks. Challenges include power asymmetries,Spoilers, trust deficits, external influence, and resource constraints. Peacemaking is often iterative and non-linear, aiming to create durable conditions for peace even amid ongoing political complexities.