Publication / Law and Peace

Process Design Tips for Political and Peace Negotiations

Based on lessons learned from different peace and/or political negotiation processes of the last two decades, this IFIT briefing outlines a checklist of technical and practical considerations for their effective design.

Process design is often perceived as a merely technical matter, but it is an indispensable condition for a viable negotiation and the possibility of an eventual accord. In the best cases, the format and rules of the process become the new centre of gravity for the resolution of the conflict, helping to fill vacuums and give structure to foster cooperation. As such, ‘how’ a negotiation is designed deserves as much of the parties’ time and attention as ‘what’ they are negotiating.