BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

RETHINKING THE CONCEPT OF PEACE PROCESS

Author: Moonis Ahmar

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/ BIISSj1999v20n4a2

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to critically examine the concept of peace process in the post-Cold War era by responding to the following questions: What are the contradictions in the theory and practice of peace process? Is the concept of peace process useful in the just resolution of conflicts? What are the limitations in peace process? The basic argument which this paper tries to make is: peace process is facing a serious credibility crisis because of long delays in negotiations, non-implementation of agreements and attempts made by the powerful party to keep things as they are. Looking at various case studies of peace processes in the last 10 years, it seems that the emphasis has not been on resolving critical issues but on freezing such issues so as to reduce the intensity of the conflict. As a result, basic irritants. which cause violence and the outbreak of hostilities, are not removed but temporarily shelved. Given the credibility problem of the peace process, there is a need on the part of the protagonists of peace to contemplate on how to address that issue.