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Negotiating Peace in Ethnic Wars

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  • P. Sahadevan

    (The author is Associate Professor in South Asian Studies at the Centre for South, Central, South East Asian and South West Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. sahadevan@mail.jnu.ac.in)

Abstract

Ethnic war is an asymmetrical military contest for power in which vital interests of the groups are clearly at stake. Wining the war is, therefore, the fundamental objective of the com-batants. Compromise is hard to arrive at in negotiations, so long as the asymmetry of power between the ethnic parties is not altered. Thus, power assumes an important factor in determining the outcome. In this context, finding the linkage between both the war and peace processes, with each influencing the other, this article underscores the relevance of the theory of ‘ripeness’ to explain the phenomenon of war and peace. Power equivalence may induce a negotiation process as a ‘mutually hurting stalemate’ creates ripe moments for the end of the war. However, conditions to start negotiations are different from situations under which a negotiated political settlement is reached. Peace accords in ethnic wars are about power-sharing and autonomy. Generally, the focus is on creating new ethnically balanced institutions, while dismantling some of the centralised political structures. Reforming the State, constituting a part of the solution, would mean, to change its ethnic exclusive character and make it more inclusive one. A durable political solution in an ethnic war may spell out a new social and political contract between the warring parties for peace and development.

Suggested Citation

  • P. Sahadevan, 2006. "Negotiating Peace in Ethnic Wars," International Studies, , vol. 43(3), pages 239-266, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:intstu:v:43:y:2006:i:3:p:239-266
    DOI: 10.1177/002088170604300301
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Walter, Barbara F., 1997. "The Critical Barrier to Civil War Settlement," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 51(3), pages 335-364, July.
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