The topic of this session was “Supporting negotiations aimed at restructuring power in conflict-affected settings.” The moderator outlined how the distribution of power features prominently in peace negotiations and further highlighted how not only the content but also the process of any negotiation will define the legitimacy of the new political settlement. A second aspect of the discussion concerned the asymmetries among domestic actors, and between international and domestic actors. The panelists considered how to reduce the dominance of international actors in peace negotiations, but also emphasized ways that international and regional actors might be well placed to support domestic actors.
The central inequalities covered in the discussion included, depending on the country context, asymmetries between de facto and de jure governments, the role of the armed forces, government and non-governmental organizations, ethnic armed organizations, civil society, and international and regional actors. These asymmetries can span political, economic, and/or military force between the parties. Speakers also noted the complex dynamics of third-party involvement in peace negotiations, including the potentially contrasting motivations and goals of outside/neighboring states.
This session included panelists Dr. Kimana Zulueta-Fülscher (Acting Head of the Constitution-Building Programme at International IDEA), Dr. Moumouni Soumano (Research Fellow at the Kellogg Institute for International Studies), Zaid Al-Ali (Senior Programme Officer in Constitution-Building in the Africa and West Asia region at International IDEA), and Dr. Adem Abebe (Programme Officer at International IDEA).