Lawyering Peace

To end deadly conflicts, parties must address puzzles such as force monopoly, resource ownership, state structure, and external self-determination. Lawyering Peace helps negotiators build better and more durable peace agreements by examining how other parties have resolved these puzzles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The world's most deadly conflicts are typically resolved not through outright victory, but through a series of negotiations. While not all negotiations lead to lasting peace, it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to successful conflict mitigation. To achieve this, parties involved in conflict must address a range of complex puzzles, including questions about the monopoly of force, resource ownership and management, state structure, and external self-determination. Successfully navigating these puzzles requires parties to make informed choices and design mechanisms that are tailored to the specific context of the conflict.

Lawyering Peace is a project that aims to provide future negotiators with the tools and knowledge they need to build better and more durable peace agreements. By examining how other parties have resolved similar puzzles and associated conundrums, the project seeks to identify best practices and strategies for conflict resolution.

One of the key challenges in resolving conflicts is the issue of the monopoly of force. In many cases, parties involved in conflict hold exclusive control over military resources, which can exacerbate tensions and lead to further violence. To address this challenge, negotiators must explore alternative approaches to security, such as disarmament, demilitarization, and peacekeeping.

Resource ownership and management is another critical puzzle that negotiators must address. In many cases, conflicts arise over access to natural resources, such as water, land, and oil. Negotiators must find ways to distribute these resources fairly and sustainably, while also taking into account the needs and interests of local communities.

State structure is another important factor that negotiators must consider. In some cases, conflicts arise due to the dominance of one state over another or the absence of a functioning government. Negotiators must work to establish or strengthen institutions that promote stability, democracy, and human rights, while also addressing the underlying political and social grievances that contribute to conflict.

External self-determination is another key puzzle that negotiators must address. In some cases, conflicts arise due to the desire of a minority group to establish their own state or nation. Negotiators must find ways to accommodate these demands while also ensuring the stability and security of the broader region.

To successfully resolve these puzzles, negotiators must navigate a complex web of political, social, and economic factors. They must be willing to compromise and find creative solutions that address the interests of all parties involved. They must also be aware of the potential risks and unintended consequences of their actions and be prepared to adapt their strategies as needed.

Lawyering Peace aims to provide future negotiators with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate these complex challenges and build better and more durable peace agreements. Through a rigorous examination of past negotiations and case studies, the project seeks to identify best practices and strategies for conflict resolution.

In conclusion, the world's most deadly conflicts are typically resolved not through outright victory, but through a series of negotiations. To achieve lasting peace, parties involved in conflict must address a range of complex puzzles, including questions about the monopoly of force, resource ownership and management, state structure, and external self-determination. Lawyering Peace aims to provide future negotiators with the tools and knowledge they need to build better and more durable peace agreements by examining how other parties have resolved similar puzzles and associated conundrums. By adopting best practices and strategies for conflict resolution, negotiators can help to promote stability, democracy, and human rights, and build a more peaceful and prosperous world for all.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108745628
Edition number: New ed