Inside Geneva: What Makes a Good Peace Deal?
Hosted by Imogen Foulkes | Produced by SWI swissinfo.ch
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Introduction
In the January 21, 2025 episode of Inside Geneva, host Imogen Foulkes delves into the intricate world of peace deals, exploring what constitutes an effective and sustainable agreement to end conflicts. Titled "What Makes a Good Peace Deal?", the episode brings together expert insights from Katja Papajani of the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and Laurent Goetchel, Director of SwissPeace at the Swiss Peace Research Institute. Amidst ongoing global tensions, including rumors of a ceasefire in Gaza, the discussion is both timely and crucial.
Understanding Peace Deals
Laurent Goetchel emphasizes that peace is not merely the cessation of hostilities but a process integral to politics.
"Peace is a process which is part of politics in general." [00:18]
Katja Papajani adds that achieving peace requires realistic negotiations that consider immediate possibilities and long-term aspirations.
"What are the most that can be made out of this possibility, if indeed it is a possibility?" [00:28]
Key Components of Successful Peace Agreements
Katja Papajani outlines four essential components that enhance the survival chances of peace agreements:
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Inclusive Participation:
"All the important actors, those who have military and political power, have to be part of the agreement." [06:42]
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Neighborhood Support:
Agreements must gain backing from neighboring regions to prevent external undermining. -
Security Guarantees:
Mechanisms to ensure parties adhere to the agreement and protect their interests are crucial. -
Peace Dividend:
Immediate tangible benefits for ordinary citizens must be evident to foster trust and support."There is a very important short window... to make people realize that there is something different." [06:42]
Examples of Success and Failure
Laurent Goetchel cites Bosnia-Herzegovina and European integration as relative successes, while the Israel-Palestine conflict represents a notable failure due to lack of genuine intent to implement peace agreements.
"If you negotiate an agreement just to move on with the same line of behavior you had before, then of course you're doomed to fail." [09:14]
Current Conflicts and Peace Prospects
The episode addresses ongoing conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza situation. Katja Papajani remains optimistic about the potential for fair peace deals, emphasizing continuous dialogue and readiness to seize opportunities for peace.
"There are ideas that people are exchanging with each other... the space for dialogue never dies." [25:45]
Conversely, Laurent Goetchel advises caution, highlighting that superficial agreements lacking substantive guarantees may lead to future conflicts.
"Peace is... about working towards conditions which tackle the major issues. And this is a longer lasting process." [14:26]
The Role of Human Rights in Peace Negotiations
Human rights are portrayed as fundamental to sustainable peace, though not immediately enforceable within peace agreements. Katja Papajani advises that agreements should keep the door open for ongoing discussions on human rights.
"The peace agreement cannot guarantee the protection of human rights. It can just keep the door open..." [05:09]
Laurent Goetchel aligns peace with development, asserting that both are built and sustained through respect for rights.
"Peace, like development, is built and nourished through rights." [20:01]
Challenges in Negotiations
The transition from war to peace is fraught with complexities, including:
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Deep-Rooted Grievances: The severe losses and trauma experienced during conflicts make reconciliation arduous.
"Making the leap from war to peace is extremely complicated." [05:53]
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Political Will and Commitment: Sustainable peace requires long-term dedication beyond initial agreements.
"...let's ask the very difficult question of what is the staying power of those who are proposing a quick agreement..." [12:04]
Perspectives on Recent Political Statements
The episode addresses controversial statements by former President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of Greenland and the Panama Canal. Laurent Goetchel remains skeptical about the feasibility and implications of such proposals, suggesting they reflect more on Trump's communication style than serious policy intent.
"I don't see him in international politics as a warmonger." [23:04]
Conclusion and Optimism
Despite the overwhelming number of global conflicts, Katja Papajani remains hopeful about achieving fair peace agreements. She underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue, political vision, and sustained commitment to implement agreements.
"We have to have ideas up our sleeves, proposals and options... And what we need is a momentum, so to speak, a push to make the leap from war to peace." [25:45]
Imogen Foulkes wraps up the episode by reiterating the necessity of inclusivity, compromise, and the enduring possibility of peace, even in the most challenging scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- Peace as a Process: True peace extends beyond the end of fighting, involving sustained political and social efforts.
- Inclusive Agreements: Comprehensive peace deals must include all significant stakeholders to ensure lasting stability.
- Support and Guarantees: Regional support and robust security assurances are vital for the durability of peace agreements.
- Human Rights Integration: While not immediately enforceable, human rights should be integral to the framework of peace negotiations.
- Optimism Amidst Conflict: Continuous dialogue and the belief in possible solutions are essential for moving from war to peace.
Additional Information
Listeners are encouraged to explore previous episodes of Inside Geneva, such as:
- "How the International Red Cross Unites Prisoners of War with Their Families"
- "Why Survivors of Human Rights Violations Turn to the UN in Geneva for Justice"
- "Aid Organizations and Racism"
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