The Power of Unity: How Group Cohesion Shapes Peace Negotiations
by Stephen Gray
May 15, 2023
When peace negotiations take place, they typically involve representatives of various groups that have been at war. But what factors determine the success or failure of these negotiations? One important factor is group cohesion. In this blog post, we’ll explore how group cohesion affects peace processes and summarize the key insights from the publication “Group Cohesion and Peace Processes” by Adapt Peacebuilding director Stephen Gray and Cale Salih.
The authors argue that group cohesion can make or break peace negotiations. When a group is cohesive, its members share a strong sense of identity and purpose. They are more likely to work together and to trust one another. In a peace process, this can be a valuable asset. Cohesive groups are better able to make and keep commitments, and they are less likely to splinter or undermine the negotiation process.
On the other hand, if a group lacks cohesion, it may struggle to negotiate effectively. Disagreements among members can lead to infighting and undermine the group’s ability to present a united front. In some cases, splintering may occur, with some members breaking away to pursue their own agendas. This can derail the peace process and make it more difficult to reach a satisfactory outcome.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, left, and guerrilla commander Rodrigo Londoño during the signing ceremony of the peace agreement in Cartagena, Colombia. Credit.Fernando Vergara/Associated Press
The authors offer several examples of how group cohesion has affected peace processes. For instance, the FARC guerrilla group in Colombia was able to negotiate effectively with the government because it had a high level of cohesion. Despite internal divisions, the group’s leadership was able to present a united front and negotiate a peace deal that ended a 50-year conflict. In contrast, the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) in Senegal has struggled to negotiate with the government due to competing leadership claims and weak links with combatants. Internal contestation among political leaders has prevented the group from being able to convince the government that it can implement what it promised at the negotiating table.
In conclusion, group cohesion is an important factor that can shape the outcome of peace negotiations. Understanding this dynamic is essential for anyone involved in peacebuilding efforts. We encourage readers to dive deeper into the publication “Group Cohesion and Peace Processes” by Stephen Gray and Cale Salih for more detailed insights on this topic. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of the complex factors at play in peace processes and work towards more successful outcomes.
