Post-conflict Peacebuilding

Amb. Robert Ford (Part 1): Behind the Scenes of the 2005 Post-Liberation Iraq Elections

This episode of Lawyering Peace features part one of a conversation with Ambassador Robert Ford, who led the political office in the U.S. Embassy in Iraq from 2004 - 2006, during a pivotal time in the country’s history. Charged with helping Iraq rebuild its government, Ford offers a candid reflection on the challenges and lessons learned from the 2005 Iraqi elections—an event that was as much about international diplomacy as it was about democracy.
Key takeaways from the episode:
UN-led Process: The 2005 Iraqi elections were spearheaded by the UN, but the U.S. played a significant role in ensuring security, highlighting the complexities of balancing international and local dynamics.
Election Dynamics: The setup of the elections was influenced by various agendas, leading to unintended consequences, such as the Sunni boycott, which exacerbated existing political tensions.
The Importance of Communication: Ford underscores the critical need for effective communication within and between different U.S. entities, such as the military and the embassy, to navigate the delicate post-conflict environment.
Strategic Decisions: From promoting federalism to handling oil profits, Ford discusses the nuanced negotiations and strategic decisions that shaped Iraq’s transition from authoritarianism to democracy.
Robert Ford's insights offer a profound understanding of how elections, when not complemented by broader political processes, can sometimes deepen divides rather than bridge them.
Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into the realities of post-conflict elections and the lessons that can inform future peacebuilding efforts.

Anna Triponel: Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Libya

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, Anna Triponel delves into the challenging yet hopeful post-Gaddafi era in Libya. After nearly 50 years of authoritarian rule, the nation faced the monumental task of building a new identity from the ground up, with no existing rule of law infrastructure or constitution. The Libyan people encountered a myriad of obstacles, including the widespread circulation of weapons and deep-seated distrust among various factions.
Anna, who led PILPG’s efforts to advise Libya on the post-conflict constitutional process and specifically headed the Libyan women’s cohort during this transformative period, discusses the initial enthusiasm for the constitution-building process. She highlights how this enthusiasm waned as the complexities of unifying a country with stark regional and ethnic differences became apparent. Anna emphasizes the difficulties of fostering loyalty to a national identity while respecting regional diversities and the critical role of building client relationships through understanding individuals' backgrounds and motivations.
One of the key highlights of the episode is Anna’s work with the Libyans to develop a domestic accountability mechanism for atrocity crimes, illustrating their desire for local justice over international interventions. The episode sheds light on the challenges faced when the International Criminal Court's involvement was undermined by militia power, highlighting the ongoing need for authentic reconciliation efforts in Libya.
Listeners will find valuable lessons in Anna’s reflections, particularly the significance of empathy and humility in international peace efforts. Her insights remind us that understanding the lived experiences of those we work with is paramount, as these issues are often matters of life and death.
This episode is a compelling exploration of the complexities of post-conflict nation-building and the human connections that underpin successful peace processes.

Amb. Zorica Maric Djordjevic: Advancing Montenegro's Global Diplomacy (1989 - 2020)

In this unique episode, we speak with Ambassador Zorica Maric Djordjevic, to explore the subtleties of diplomacy and Montenegro's extraordinary journey in international relations. The discussion unveils Montenegro as an understated success story in U.S. foreign policy, spotlighting Ambassador Djordjevic’s instrumental role in enhancing ties with the U.S., the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization from 1989 to 2020.
Ambassador Djordjevic brings her unique perspectives from her time guiding Montenegro out of conflict and into statehood, emphasizing the importance of applying a gendered lens to negotiations. 

Dr. Patrick Maluki: Leading Kenyan Academic on Conflict Mitigation and Mediation

Dr. Patrick Maluki is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi and Kenya’s top expert in peace and diplomacy.  Dr. Maluki has extensive experience in the peace and conflict mediation arena. He holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya and is an expert trainer and researcher in international negotiation, mediation, human rights, governance, and peace building issues. This episode focuses on Dr. Maluki’s in-depth knowledge of the causes of conflict, conflict prevention, and conflict mitigation.

Yoonie Kim: Yemen 2011 - 2015

Yoonie Kim is a former PILPG-er, and is currently a Senior Political Affairs Officer and the Gulf Team Leader at the United Nations. This episode explores Yoonie’s time serving as Senior Advisor and Special Assistant to the UN Special Envoy Jamal Benomar on the Yemen peace process, examining the ways in which mediation teams operate when supporting challenging and complex negotiations, and the importance of collaboration between the various actors involved in peace negotiations when pursuing durable peace.