Peacemaking through the lens of participation: Revisiting the 2016 Colombian peace accord

Abstract

AbstractHow should we analyze democratic participation mechanisms created to end a civil war? This article examines participation in the design and ratification of Colombia's 2016 peace settlement. By analyzing theoretical participation approaches and reviewing official reports, proceedings, and formal rules engendered by the peacemaking, we consider the ways in which the stakeholders participated to formalize the agreement between the government and rebels in the Revolutionary Armed Forced of Colombia–People's Army. The case argues that inclusion does not necessarily mean control of civil society over the peacemaking process; the participation of the political society and insurgency groups is a precondition.