Policy briefings
Our policy briefings summarize the main lessons and insights emerging from each thematic or conflict-specific Accord publication. They are a useful guide to inform peacemaking efforts from a conflict transformation viewpoint. They aim to help the international community better understand and respond to the challenge of reaching workable peace settlements. Read more about our policy work.
Peace
by piece: addressing Sudan's conflicts
Sudan has a number of interlocking armed conflicts that are being
addressed through three separate peace agreements. It remains unclear
if these agreements can now fit together as the jigsaw pieces of
a comprehensive, sustainable peace. This policy paper offers a
summary of the findings from the publication Peace
by piece: addressing Sudan’s conflicts (Accord issue 18, 2007). An Arabic version is also available.
The limits of leadership: elites and societies in the Nagorny Karabakh peace process
(Russian version also available)
International mediation efforts have yet to succeed in breaking the 10-year deadlock in the Armenian-Azerbaijani struggle for sovereignty over Nagorny Karabakh. Much needs to be learned about the structure of the peace process, the roles of elites and societies, and the costs of the stalemate for democratization, development and regional integration. This policy paper offers a digest of findings from The limits of leadership: elites and societies in the Nagorny Karabakh peace process (Accord issue 17, 2005).
Choosing to engage: armed groups and peace processes
Armed groups’ goals and use of violence spark much controversy about appropriate responses to their actions. Yet over the past two decades they have taken part in peace processes on every continent, resulting in a wealth of experiences. This policy paper covers the main lessons and insights emerging from some of these experiences as outlined by our authors in Choosing to engage: armed groups and peace processes (Accord issue 16, 2005).
From military peace to social justice? The Angolan peace process
(Portuguese version also available)
This policy paper offers some insights on Angola’s recent past and current challenges. It assesses the impact of Angola’s history of peacemaking efforts and approaches to post-conflict reconstruction on the prospects for a peaceful, prosperous and equitable society. The policy paper summarizes and builds on the lessons from the publication From military peace to social justice? The Angolan peace process (Accord issue 15, 2004).
Alternatives to war: Colombia’s peace processes
Although a peace agreement remains elusive in Colombia, 25 years of peace initiatives offer tremendous experience to inform peacemaking policy and practice. This briefing paper sets out some lessons learned and offered by the various Colombian authors of Alternatives to war: Colombia’s peace processes (Accord issue 14, 2004).
Promoting public participation in peacemaking. Recommendations for action in the United Nations system
This document outlines recommendations for UN action to develop public participation in peacemaking. It was presented at the International Peace Academy policy forum in February 2003 by Catherine Barnes, issue editor of Owning the process: public participation in peacemaking (Accord issue 13, 2002).
Owning the process: public participation in peacemaking. Principles to guide policy and practice
This paper looks at why public participation is necessary in the peacemaking process, the dilemmas of an inclusive process and offers some principles to guide policy and practice. It outlines recommendations on how to prepare for negotiations, participation in formal political negotiations, and participation in the implementation of agreements. It accompanies the publication Owning the process: public participation in peacemaking (Accord issue 13, 2002).