Peace talks are negotiations between belligerents that are aimed at ending conflict by addressing a variety of issues such as security, justice, economic development and political change. Talks may be bilateral or multilateral and may include a wide range of actors including mediators, neighbors, political leaders, NGOs and guarantors. They may be open or closed or a mix of the two and can be conducted secretly or in the public eye.
Often peace talks are the first step in a long process and the final goal is sustainable and durable peace. This will require transformation of basic forces toward reconciliation, a process that will involve both the elite and the broader population. Negotiations at the top must be accompanied by conciliation at mid-level and the creation of institutions that allow structured, long-term bargaining.
A key issue in determining how successful a peace process will be is whether it is inclusive or exclusive. Including all relevant parties is the best way to ensure a broad and lasting agreement, but this may be difficult and time-consuming.
Inclusion is also important to ensure that any agreement reached does not become a target for spoilers. Spoilers are factions or individuals who do not accept the negotiated terms of an actual or potential deal and resort to actions (including terrorism) to sabotage the peace process. In order to prevent spoilers from scuttling a deal, it may be necessary to exclude some rejectionist groups from the initial talks or, as in Northern Ireland, to limit the inclusion of IRA and Sinn Fein representatives as a condition for progress on disarmament.
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