Sometimes, achieving peace seems almost as hard as fighting a war. Each new day of bloodshed and suffering can blur the prospect of resolution. It is no coincidence, then, that most wars end in frozen conflicts or stalemate without a clear end. Historian of war Dr Simeon Paravantes (UU) talks about the lessons we can draw from the past. What are the necessary steps for a successful and lasting way out of conflict?

Together with international peace mediator Fleur Ravensbergen, we take a closer look at what happens at the negotiating table. She mediated between terrorists, revolutionaries, politicians and UN staff in armed conflicts in Northern Ireland, Congo, Sri Lanka and Iraq. What does it take to get enemies talking about peace?