File:WHICH FACTORS EXPLAIN VARIATION IN THE SUCCESS OF PEACE PROCESSES AFTER THE SIGNING OF A PEACE AGREEMENT? (IA whichfactorsexpl1094564144).pdf

The signing of a peace agreement does not necessarily guarantee long-lasting peace. In this thesis, we explore which factors explain variations in the success of peace processes after the signing of peace agreements. Recent research has found that of the 216 peace agreements recorded between 1975 and 2011, only 125 resulted in the termination of violence for at least five years after signing the agreement. To shed light on those elements of the accords that are most relevant for the achievement of long-lasting peace, this thesis investigates differences in the degree of military implementation and political and judicial provisions as well as the involvement of the international community and economic funding. The thesis develops a comparative analysis of the accord implementation in El Salvador in 1992, Angola in 1994, and Colombia since 2016. These cases represent instances of successful, failed, and ongoing peace accord implementations, respectively. The analyses reveal that peace processes are more likely to succeed if: (1) sufficient economic funds are allocated for the implementation process, (2) an international third party is involved in the process, and (3) demobilization and disarmament programs are properly implemented, which will reduce violence drastically. In this case, political and judicial provisions play a role by complementing the process, assuring the commitment and trust between the parties allowing the process to move forward.

Subjects: peace process; implementation; provisions; military; political; judicial; international community; funding; Colombia; El Salvador; Angola