Peace Negotiations

Edita Tahiri: Trailblazer for Kosovo's Independence and Gender Equality

Meet Edita Tahiri, Kosovo's former Deputy Prime Minister and chief negotiator. From leading peace talks during the Rambouillet negotiations to championing gender equality in the Balkans, Edita shares her inspiring story of resilience, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace. Discover her insights into unifying delegations, advocating for independence, and addressing the ongoing challenges of unfinished peace with Serbia.

Navigating Frozen Conflicts: Ambassador Louis O’Neill on Moldova, Transnistria, and EU Accession

In this episode, Ambassador Lou O’Neill unpacks Moldova’s ongoing struggles with frozen conflicts in Transnistria and Gagauzia, the far-reaching ramifications of Russian influence, and how the war in Ukraine has reshaped the region’s dynamics. 
 
Drawing from his tenure as OSCE Ambassador to Moldova (2006–2008), Lou provides critical insights into Moldova’s October 2024 EU accession and presidential election votes—controversial and closely contested, with EU accession winning by a narrow margin. 
Lou reflects on cultural dynamics, offering insights into how Moldova can leverage its EU aspirations to foster unity and progress. 
 
Discover how geopolitical strategies, diplomatic creativity, and evolving contexts could shape Moldova’s future in this pivotal episode.
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Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Paul R. Williams
Co-Producer & Content Manager: Katie Hetherington 
Co-Producer & Creative Manager: Ryan Westlake 
 

(Part 2) Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem: The 2022 Canadian Talks & the Future of Ambazonia and Cameroon

In Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem on the Southern Cameroon conflict, we dive into the 2022 Canada Peace Talks, where the Ambazonia delegation—comprising leaders from various separatist groups—worked to build internal cohesion and present a united front. Their efforts, along with those of the Canadian facilitators, were met with an abrupt withdrawal by the Cameroonian government after three meetings, followed by its denial of ever participating in the talks.
Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem break down how the Canada process was structured and highlight the critical role of inclusivity in peace negotiations. They also reflect on how the pattern of the government’s actions in peace processes over the years underscore its reluctance to engage in genuine negotiations to settle the conflict. 
Tune in for a powerful conversation on this pivotal moment in the Southern Cameroon conflict, the lessons learned, and what lies ahead for the path to peace.
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Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Paul R. Williams
Co-Producer & Content Manager: Katie Hetherington 
Co-Producer & Creative Manager: Ryan Westlake 
 

(Part 1) Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem: The Southern Cameroon Conflict & Missed Opportunities for Peace

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, we delve into the complex and ongoing conflict between Anglophone Southern Cameroon (Ambazonia) and the Francophone central government of Cameroon. Rooted in a history of colonization by different powers, the two regions developed distinct cultures. Over decades, this divide has been exacerbated by persistent systemic marginalization and discrimination against Southern Cameroonians. In 2016, these divisions escalated into an armed conflict involving numerous separatist groups and leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.
Joining the discussion are two expert voices from the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Dialogue and Negotiation, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering dialogue and peacebuilding in Cameroon. Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem Oben provide critical insights into the series of failed peace processes leading up to the 2022 Canada Talks. These include the 2016 teachers' and lawyers' strike, the government’s reneged offer of federalism, the 2019 National Dialogue, and the 2020–2022 Geneva Initiative. Together, they highlight how these efforts reveal the Cameroonian government’s repeated missed opportunities to negotiate a peaceful resolution with Ambazonia.
The episode delves into how the Ambazonia delegation, supported by the Coalition for Dialogue and Negotiation, prepared for the 2022 Canada Talks, and explores the delegation’s positions on key issues such as self-determination, disarmament, and accountability for atrocity crimes. 
Tune in for a deep dive into the history, challenges, and opportunities of this conflict. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we analyze the 2022 Canada Peace Talks and discuss what’s next for Ambazonia.
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Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Paul R. Williams
Co-Producer & Content Manager: Katie Hetherington 
Co-Producer & Creative Manager: Ryan Westlake 
 

Hind Kabawat: The Role of Women in the Syrian Peace Process

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Hind Kabawat, Deputy Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission Office in Geneva. Hind shares her insights from growing up in Damascus to becoming a key figure in the Geneva peace talks.
Hind delves into the profound challenges faced during the Syrian conflict, from the brutal dictatorship to the devastating chemical attacks in Ghouta. She recounts the harrowing experiences of Syrian activists and civilians who have endured unimaginable suffering, and how the Arab Spring ignited a flame of hope among Syrians longing for change.
As a lawyer and peacebuilder, Hind emphasizes the importance of women's involvement in peace negotiations. She discusses her pioneering efforts to create a women's consultation, overcoming opposition from male colleagues, and ultimately securing a 30% quota for women’s representation in the opposition delegation during the Syrian peace negotiations. Hind illustrates how these efforts brought together women from diverse backgrounds to push for justice, human rights, and the inclusion of their voices in shaping Syria’s future.
Listeners will gain insight into some of the challenges faced by the Syrian opposition delegation, including the difficulty of negotiating with actors actively killing their families and friends. Hind also provides insights into the delegation’s strategic use of media, and the critical roles played by women as well as grassroots movements in sustaining dialogue and preparing for a future peace. Hind candidly shares her views on the international community’s role, the failures of the Geneva talks, and the persistent need for transitional justice in Syria.
Hind’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to pursue peace in the face of adversity. Her message is clear: peace is not just about negotiations at the table; it’s about fostering a culture of dialogue, inclusion, and justice that transcends political will. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamics of peacebuilding, the power of women in conflict resolution, and the ongoing struggle for a peaceful future in Syria.
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Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Paul R. Williams
Co-Producer & Content Manager: Katie Hetherington 
Co-Producer & Creative Manager: Ryan Westlake 
 

Amb. Robert Ford (Part 2): Former US Ambassador to Syria on Navigating the Syrian Crisis (2011-2014)

In part two of our conversation with Robert Ford, former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, we delve into the turbulent years of 2011-2014, a period marked by the breakdown of dialogue, escalating conflict, and the Geneva Peace Talks.
Key Topics Covered:
The Role of Embassies: Ford emphasizes the importance of neutrality in diplomatic missions, highlighting how U.S. involvement often complicates matters.
Dialogue Gone Wrong: The attempted dialogue between the Syrian government and protesters was abruptly derailed, leading to a full-blown conflict and a call for a ceasefire by the UN.
The Geneva Peace Talks: Ford provides an insider’s view of the Geneva process, where the Syrian opposition and government were supposed to negotiate a transitional government. However, the talks quickly fell apart when Assad’s regime refused to discuss political transition, focusing only on security arrangements.
Challenges of Negotiation: Ford discusses the difficulty of overcoming a “no” in negotiations, especially when one side has a military advantage. This lack of compromise led to the collapse of the peace talks.
Lessons for Mediators: Drawing from his experiences, Ford offers practical advice on coalition-building and the pitfalls of making promises that can’t be kept—a mistake the U.S. made repeatedly, damaging its credibility.
Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the complexities of the Syrian crisis and the lessons that can be learned for future peace negotiations.
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Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Paul R. Williams
Co-Producer & Content Manager: Katie Hetherington 
Co-Producer & Creative Manager: Ryan Westlake 

Mohammed al-Ta'ishi: 2020 Juba Peace Agreement for Peace in Sudan

Dive into the riveting behind-the-scenes story of Sudan’s 2020 Juba Peace Agreement negotiations with Mohammed al-Ta'ishi, chief negotiator for the Sudanese Transitional Government and key architect of the Agreement. In this must-listen episode of Lawyering Peace, al-Ta'ishi reveals the challenges and triumphs of negotiating peace amidst Sudan's complex military and civilian dynamics.
From his roots in South Darfur to leading pivotal peace talks for his country, al-Ta'ishi offers a unique perspective on the intricate art of negotiation. Learn how he managed an eclectic civilian-military delegation, dealt with nefarious actors, navigated power-sharing dilemmas, and championed transitional justice. His insights provide a critical understanding of the current conflict in Sudan and offer valuable lessons in negotiation and peacebuilding.
Mohammed al-Ta'ishi's story is a testament to the power of determination, good faith, and the relentless pursuit of peace. Don't miss this chance to hear from one of the chief architects of the Juba Agreement and gain a deeper understanding of Sudan's journey toward peace.

Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran: Advising the Tamil Tigers During the 2000 Sri Lanka Peace Process

Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran joins Dr. Williams on this compelling episode of Lawyering Peace. Mr. Rudrakumaran, or Rudra, served as the former legal advisor to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the peace talks with the Government of Sri Lanka that commenced in 2000. He is currently heading the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam in exile as its Prime Minister. 
Rudra provides a vivid recount of the context leading to the Norwegian-facilitated peace process in Thailand, detailing his journey to becoming the LTTE’s chief legal advisor. He delves into the unique challenges faced by lawyers representing non-state armed actors in peace negotiations, particularly the struggle to achieve and maintain parity with state actors amidst international perspectives favoring states.
Through gripping narratives, Rudra illustrates how the LTTE sought to counterbalance the government’s legal and resource advantages by leveraging the Tamil diaspora and engaging in strategic lawfare. He offers practical advice for lawyers on how to effectively integrate into their client's team and utilize soft power to influence negotiations.
Rudra's experiences underscore Dr. Williams’ frequent assertion about the need to understand and navigate the parallel agendas of international mediators. He candidly discusses how these separate interests contributed to the challenges faced by the LTTE and the eventual collapse of the peace process. The episode also touches on the importance of diaspora involvement, the dynamics between local communities and the diaspora, and the pursuit of justice through international mechanisms.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the Sri Lankan peace talks, the role of lawyers in representing non-state actors, and the impact of international third-party mediators in peace processes.
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Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Paul R. Williams
Co-Producer & Content Manager: Katie Hetherington 
Co-Producer & Creative Manager: Ryan Westlake 
 

Betsy Popken: 2015 - 2017 Geneva Peace Talks for Syria

In this episode of "Lawyering Peace," we delve into the intricate dynamics of peace negotiation delegations, with a special focus on the critical roles played by women leaders in the Syrian opposition delegation. Our guest, Betsy Popken, brings insights from her tenure as the chief legal advisor during the Geneva peace talks (2015 - 2017). Peek into the rigorous training and strategic planning that goes into preparing a delegation for high-stakes negotiations, and learn how roles and responsibilities are assigned to harness the strengths of diverse team members, particularly the leading women. This discussion offers a unique glimpse into the challenging yet fascinating process of negotiating peace, and the vital aspects of training and leading a negotiation team effectively.

Donald Planty: 1996 Guatemala Peace Process

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, we delve into Guatemala's journey toward peace through the lens of the 1996 Peace Accords process, which concluded 36 years of internal conflict. Ambassador Donald Planty, the United States Ambassador to Guatemala during the peace process, shares his firsthand experiences from engaging in the process, emphasizing the crucial role of international cooperation, especially the strategic support of the "Friends of the Peace Process" in this context. This episode also unpacks the essential skills for successful diplomacy, such as relationship building, effective listening, and understanding diverse perspectives. Ambassador Planty illustrates how capitalizing on these skills and relying on informal confidence building measures with the parties, propelled the negotiations forward. Tune in to learn about the dynamic challenges facing an ambassador engaged in high-stakes negotiations and the practical negotiation skills that can lead to successful outcomes.

Robert Perito: 1991 Angola Peace Process

Robert Perito is an expert in security sector reform and governance and has been involved in post-conflict processes in regions and states across the globe, including Angola, Haiti, Liberia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.  This episode explores Bob’s career as a Foreign Service officer with the U.S. Department of State, during which time Bob chaired the US delegation to the Angolan peace talks that ended in the signing of the Bicesse Accords. This episode provides deep insights into the role played by third parity delegations in peace talks and the challenges that come with seeking peaceful solutions to entrenched conflicts.

Mathew Simpson: 2011 Doha Peace Negotiations

Matt Simpson has been engaged in several peace and post-conflict processes around the world, and is now Co-Chair of the Private Equity Practice at Mintz. This episode delves into Matt’s role as the Principal Legal Advisor to the Darfur Delegation in the Doha Round of Peace Negotiations, which aimed to resolve the Darfur conflict. In this position, Matt led a team of over two dozen international legal and policy advisors, and was charged with advising on the full range of issues that presented themselves during the negotiations, including power sharing, security arrangements, demilitarization, wealth allocation from natural resources, and the return of displaced persons. In this interview, Matt discusses the challenges and intricacies of his role, providing insights into the reality of peace negotiations as well as lessons learned for other contexts.