A Peace agreement is a formal accord between conflicting parties that outlines the terms of ceasefires, territorial compromises and political arrangements, playing a critical role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts worldwide. Peace agreements can vary in scope and level of formality, with some encompassing multiple issues while others are more narrow in their scope. While the specifics of peace agreements can differ significantly, there are three common threads:
Sometimes a comprehensive peace treaty may be impossible to reach in the near term, and for this reason, parties to conflict often pursue interim peace agreements. Known as ceasefire agreements, armistice agreements or cessation of hostilities agreements, these instruments stop the fighting for an agreed upon timeframe and/or in a given area without making any concessions by either party. Typically, such agreements are short-lived and prone to violations, but they can provide space for political negotiations to take place in order to achieve a more durable resolution.
Intractable conflicts frequently require mediation to bring the parties together for dialogue. In addition to providing an impartial platform for negotiation, mediators can be vital in identifying common interests and areas for compromise that contribute to a broader framework for lasting peace. Research efforts are examining the dynamics of peace process management in an effort to understand how it influences whether or not an agreement is reached.
Peace agreements need to include structural components to address the underlying causes of conflict and prevent future outbreaks of violence. This includes power sharing, election monitoring, and strategies for addressing justice. In particular, the section on Addressing Injustice provides a framework for categorizing injustice and subsequently structures how such transgressions can be addressed within the structure of a peace agreement.