In this episode of "Lawyering Peace," we delve into the intricate dynamics of peace negotiation delegations, with a special focus on the critical roles played by women leaders in the Syrian opposition delegation. Our guest, Betsy Popken, brings insights from her tenure as the chief legal advisor during the Geneva peace talks (2015 - 2017). Peek into the rigorous training and strategic planning that goes into preparing a delegation for high-stakes negotiations, and learn how roles and responsibilities are assigned to harness the strengths of diverse team members, particularly the leading women. This discussion offers a unique glimpse into the challenging yet fascinating process of negotiating peace, and the vital aspects of training and leading a negotiation team effectively.

Ambassador Donald Planty has extensive experience in peace negotiations, having served as the former United States Ambassador to Guatemala. This episode draws upon Amb. Planty’s instrumental role in the negotiation and facilitation of Guatemala’s ceasefire and the historic 1996 Peace Accords, which marked the end of a 36-year internal armed conflict in the country. This episode provides deep insights into the “Friends of the Peace Process” - an informal group adjacent to the negotiations who were key in providing assistance at crucial points of the peace process - of which Ambassador Planty, on behalf of the United States, was a member.

Robert Perito is an expert in security sector reform and governance and has been involved in post-conflict processes in regions and states across the globe, including Angola, Haiti, Liberia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. This episode explores Bob’s career as a Foreign Service officer with the U.S. Department of State, during which time Bob chaired the US delegation to the Angolan peace talks that ended in the signing of the Bicesse Accords. This episode provides deep insights into the role played by third parity delegations in peace talks and the challenges that come with seeking peaceful solutions to entrenched conflicts.