Lawyering Peace

This episode of the Lawyering Peace Podcast’s Ukraine Series features an in depth conversation with Lidiia Kuzmenko, Protection Officer at the UNHCR Ukraine Country Office, on the profound human impact of internal displacement during Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. With more than five million people uprooted inside Ukraine, Lidiia offers expert insight into the daily realities facing displaced families, the legal and administrative barriers they encounter, and the practical meaning of “protection” in UNHCR’s mandate. She discusses challenges related to documentation, housing, livelihoods, and access to services, as well as Ukraine’s evolving policy framework and emerging i...

This episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast focuses on one of the most crucial pillars of peace building in Ukraine: gender equality and the central role of women in shaping a just and durable peace. 

Dr. Paul R. Williams speaks with Dr. Khrystyna Kit, chairwoman of the Ukrainian Women Lawyers Association JurFem and expert adviser to the Prosecutor General’s Office on conflict related sexual violence. Drawing on more than fifteen years of legal practice and advocacy, Dr. Kit explains how JurFem promotes gender sensitive legal reform, advances survivor centered approaches to justice, and works with...

Can an investment fund become a cornerstone of peace?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul R. Williams speaks with Henry Scott, a partner at Milbank and a leading authority on international project finance, about the United States Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, a first of its kind vehicle jointly launched by Washington and Kyiv.

Henry explains how this groundbreaking framework blends in-kind equity, strategic finance, and critical minerals access to drive Ukraine’s recovery. The conversation unpacks the Fund’s hybrid capital model, the role of the US International Development Financ...

What happens when a nuclear power plant becomes a battlefield?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul R. Williams speaks with Dr. Dmytro Koval — Co-Executive Director of Truth Hounds and Associate Professor of International Law at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy — about the weaponization of Ukrainian nuclear infrastructure in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Drawing on Truth Hounds’ groundbreaking report “In a Nuclear Prison”, Dmytro unpacks how the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant — the largest nuclear facility in Europe — has become a site of coercion, forced collaboration, and state-sponsored impunity. The episode explores the blurred lines between civilian...

What happens when the battlefield moves online?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul R. Williams speaks with Dr. Anna Mysyshyn, a Ukrainian legal scholar and expert in AI ethics, cybersecurity, and digital governance. As the Founder of the Institute of Innovative Governance, Anna has helped shape Ukraine’s legal and strategic response to one of the most digitally complex wars in modern history.

Together, they explore the intersection of emerging technologies and armed conflict — from AI-generated disinformation and deepfakes to cyberattacks targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Anna unpacks the legal, ethical, and operational challe...

What does true accountability look like in the face of unprovoked aggression?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul R. Williams sits down with Dr. Anton Korynevych, Director of the Department of International Law at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and one of the key legal architects of the proposed Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

Together, they explore the groundbreaking legal and diplomatic efforts underway to establish a new international judicial body capable of prosecuting Russia’s leadership for the crime of aggression — from the choice of model and...

What does it take to build lasting peace — and secure it?

What kind of security guarantees can truly deter renewed aggression?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul R. Williams is joined by Lesia Ogryzko, Director of the Sahaidachnyi Security Center, and Julian Braithwaite, former UK Ambassador to the UN and WTO, to unpack what a post-war security framework for Ukraine could and should look like.

Together, they explore how to negotiate credible security commitments that reflect the lessons of past failures — while embracing future-oriented strategies for deterrence, resilience, and international coordination.

What does it take to create an international reparations mechanism?
How can individuals and institutions contribute to a future justice process—one claim at a time?

In this latest episode of Lawyering Peace, Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Register of Damage for Ukraine, joins Dr. Paul R. Williams to discuss one of the most innovative legal accountability efforts emerging from Russia’s war of aggression.

The Register of Damage is the first formal step in a broader reparations mechanism, designed to collect and record claims for loss, injury, and damage caused by Russia’s full...

What are the legal and political pathways for using frozen Russian assets to compensate Ukraine?

And why has the transfer of these assets become a litmus test for the rules-based international order?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Ukrainian diplomat and legal expert Mykola Yurlov joins Dr. Paul R. Williams to discuss how frozen Russian sovereign assets could - and should - be used to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and deliver justice for victims of aggression. 

Mykola held the position of Deputy Director of the Department of International Law and Cooperation at the Min...

What does international law owe to Ukraine´s deported children?
Why is Russia’s forced transfer of Ukrainian children a defining issue for global justice?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Ukrainian international legal experts Dr. Yulia Ioffe and Dr. Kateryna Rashevska join Dr. Paul R. Williams to discuss the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russian-occupied territories—a policy many argue constitutes genocide.

They examine the strategic, ideologically motivated nature of the deportations: re-education, forced adoptions, name changes, and the erasure of Ukrainian identity. The conversation highlights how this tactic not only...

What does it take to negotiate peace when your opponent uses diplomacy as a tool for delay and manipulation?
What lessons can we draw from the Minsk process to design a more durable peace in the future?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Ukrainian lawyer and mediator Yuna Potomkina joins Dr. Paul R. Williams to reflect on the  shortcomings of past negotiations and the essential principles for shaping future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

Drawing from her experience as Adviser to the First Deputy Head of Ukraine’s negotiation delegation at the Trilateral Con...

What do negotiations look like when one party to peace talks never intended to negotiate in good faith?
What can we learn from peace talks that didn’t lead to peace?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, former Danish diplomat Ivan M. Nielsen joins Dr. Paul R. Williams to reflect on his role as Denmark’s Special Envoy to the Syrian Opposition during the UN-backed Geneva peace talks.

Nielsen offers an insider's view of the Geneva process, describing how the Assad regime went through the motions of negotiation while continuing attacks on civilians—with Russia...

Why does the crime of aggression matter for Ukraine and international peace?

How can a Special Tribunal hold Russian leaders accountable?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Ukrainian international lawyer Dr. Gaiane Nuridzhanian joins the conversation to explain the case for a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

Dr. Nuridzhanian walks us through the evolution of the debate surrounding the crime of aggression, and presents a treaty-based tribunal—supported by Ukraine and the Council of Europe—as a legally sound, politically feasible alternative.

The conversation explores legal and stra...

How is Ukraine reforming its judiciary while defending itself from Russian aggression?

What role does judicial reform play in Ukraine’s pursuit of EU membership and democratic transformation?

In this episode, Prof. Tetyana Antsupova joins Dr. Paul R. Williams on the Lawyering Peace podcast.

Prof. Antsupova—former Supreme Court judge of Ukraine and British Academy Research Fellow—shares personal and professional reflections on the sweeping judicial reforms unfolding in Ukraine since 2014.

This episode examines how Ukraine is rebuilding judicial institutions in line with EU standards, balancing wartime pressures with long-term goals. Prof...

Is the system of international law today capable of effectively achieving justice and accountability for Ukraine?

How can accountability be made central to a future peace process—and not sacrificed for short-term political gain?

In the latest episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace Laureate and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties, joins Dr. Paul R. Williams to discuss the pursuit of justice and accountability for atrocity crimes committed during Russia’s war of aggression.

Matviichuk outlines a comprehensive vision of justice—from prosecution and reparations to public truth-telling and re...

How has Russia used conflict-related sexual violence as a tool in its war of aggression? 

What does meaningful justice for survivors of Russia’s conflict-related sexual violence look like?

In this episode, Dr. Kateryna Busol joins Dr. Paul R. Williams on the Lawyering Peace podcast.

Dr. Busol explores the widespread and systematic use of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) by Russian forces in Ukraine. Dr. Busol explores how societal norms and toxic gender hierarchies in Russia fuel the use of CRSV as a weapon of Russian aggression, and the impact on both survivors and Ukr...

How can Ukraine protect its territorial integrity in peace negotiations? 

What role does the international community play in ensuring that no territory is lost?

In this episode, Ambassador Elayne Whyte Gómez of Costa Rica and member of PILPG’s Circle of Former Ambassadors, and Professor Kushtrim Istrefi of Utrecht University and PILPG Senior Peace Fellow, join the conversation. 

Ambassador Gómez and Professor Istrefi explore questions relating to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the central importance of maintaining its rightful territorial claims during peace negotiations.

Negotiations to end Russia’s war  have...

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, we are joined by Mykola Stetsenko, President of the Ukrainian Bar Association, who speaks about the pivotal role of private sector investment in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The conversation explores key industries primed for growth—agriculture, manufacturing, IT, energy, and logistics—as well as investment mechanisms such as public-private partnerships and industrial parks.

Stetsenko explains how Ukraine’s natural resource ownership model simplifies foreign investment, the government’s push to modernize industries rather than merely rebuild, and efforts to align with EU regulations. He also addresses common misconceptions about investing in Ukraine, t...

Our second guest in our Series on Prospects for Peace in Ukraine is Dr. Ivan Horodyskyy, Vice-President of the Ukrainian Bar Association and Director and Cofounder of the Dnistrianskyi Centre for Law and Politics, where he manages projects related to compensation for Ukrainians for damages caused by Russian aggression. 

Since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, Ukraine and its allies have called for Russia to bear responsibility for its illegal acts, including making reparation, to widespread international support. In this episode, we discuss the question of reparations for Russia’s extensive war damage in Ukraine, as well as the close...

Tune in for insights from Professor David Crane, Founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone. 

This episode discusses David’s recent blog post with PILPG, in which he explores a potential ceasefire model for Ukraine, inspired by the successful Multinational Force and Observers established for the Sinai Peninsula. The conversation also covers the rise of power-centric diplomacy, the future role of the UN, and the strategic considerations for Ukraine and its allies in an increasingly uncertain international order.

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Ukraine and its allies stand at a critical juncture as they pur...

Ambassador Yvette Stevens, Sierra Leone's first female engineer, reflects on her groundbreaking diplomatic career at the United Nations and her nation’s tumultuous journey to peace during and after the civil war (1991–2002). In this compelling episode, she delves into the complex dynamics of the Sierra Leone Civil War, the controversial Lomé Peace Accord, and the innovative Special Court for Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Stevens shares her perspective on the delicate balance between peace and justice, revealing how the Special Court for Sierra Leone was established despite the Lomé Agreement’s amnesty provision. While Sierra Leonean citizens initially may have wis...

In this episode, Justice Richard Goldstone recounts his remarkable journey from working within the South African justice system to dismantle apartheid to serving as the first Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and Rwanda (ICTR). He delves into the challenges of pursuing justice amid political resistance, from using judicial discretion to challenge oppressive laws and expose state-sponsored violence, to navigating the complexities of UN bureaucracy and funding constraints. Goldstone reflects on the groundbreaking impact of the ICTY on international law, including advancements in prosecuting gender-based crimes, and the enduring tension between peace and...

In this episode, Hind Kabawat shares her recent experiences returning to Damascus after 14 years, reflecting on a nation scarred by war yet brimming with hope. Hind, a key figure in Syrian peace negotiations and a staunch advocate for women's inclusion, discusses the vital role women play in shaping Syria's future. From leading educational initiatives in refugee camps to advocating for transitional justice, Syrian women are rewriting their narrative as changemakers, not bystanders.

Hind delves into the challenges and opportunities of a future Syrian National Dialogue, highlighting the importance of gender equality, trust-building, and inclusive representation to ensure...

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast’s Post-Assad Syria Mini-Series, Syrian intellectual and activist Ammar Abdulhamid offers an in-depth analysis of Syria’s transitional moment and the challenges ahead. Drawing on decades of advocacy for democratic reform and his experience briefing world leaders, Ammar discusses the current sentiment on the ground, the promise of a resurgent civil society, and the critical role of governance.

He highlights the importance of fostering inclusivity amidst Syria's rich religious and cultural diversity, the necessity for international partners to listen to local voices, and the delicate balancing act facing new lead...

In this episode of our Lawyering Peace Podcast Post-Assad Syria Mini Series, we sit down with Betsy Popken, Chief Legal Advisor to the Syrian Opposition during the Geneva Peace Talks. Betsy shares her unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Syria in the wake of the Assad regime, exploring the groundwork laid for transitional justice, governance, and reconciliation.

As Syria grapples with economic hardship, damaged infrastructure, and the formation of an interim government, Betsy evaluates the role of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in shaping a more inclusive future. While HTS has made promises about incorporating di...

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Berhanemeskel Nega, a seasoned diplomat with over 35 years of experience in multilateral diplomacy, mediation, and peacekeeping, takes us inside the challenges and lessons learned from the UN-AU hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID), where he served as Director of Political Affairs and Head of Office in Darfur from 2014 to 2020.

Drawing on his leadership roles in multiple UN missions, including as acting head of the UN integrated peacebuilding operation in Sierra Leone, Nega reflects on the complex political, humanitarian, and security context of Darfur during UNAMID’s tenure (2007–2020). He discusses navigating a resi...

In this insightful episode in our Mini Series on Post-Assad Syria, we welcome Ivan M. Nielsen, a seasoned Danish diplomat and former special representative for the Syria crisis. Drawing on his extensive experience in conflict resolution, human rights, and constitution building, Ivan reflects on lessons from the Geneva peace talks and shares his assessment of Syria’s evolving governance landscape.

From the Assad regime’s divisive tactics to the challenges of engaging with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under its current terrorism designation, Ivan explores the critical tracks that must be advanced in parallel for a successful Syrian tran...

Meet Edita Tahiri, Kosovo's former Deputy Prime Minister and chief negotiator. From leading peace talks during the Rambouillet negotiations to championing gender equality in the Balkans, Edita shares her inspiring story of resilience, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace. Discover her insights into unifying delegations, advocating for independence, and addressing the ongoing challenges of unfinished peace with Serbia.

In this episode, Ambassador Lou O’Neill unpacks Moldova’s ongoing struggles with frozen conflicts in Transnistria and Gagauzia, the far-reaching ramifications of Russian influence, and how the war in Ukraine has reshaped the region’s dynamics. 

Drawing from his tenure as OSCE Ambassador to Moldova (2006–2008), Lou provides critical insights into Moldova’s October 2024 EU accession and presidential election votes—controversial and closely contested, with EU accession winning by a narrow margin. 

Lou reflects on cultural dynamics, offering insights into how Moldova can leverage its EU aspirations to foster unity and progress. 

In Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem on the Southern Cameroon conflict, we dive into the 2022 Canada Peace Talks, where the Ambazonia delegation—comprising leaders from various separatist groups—worked to build internal cohesion and present a united front. Their efforts, along with those of the Canadian facilitators, were met with an abrupt withdrawal by the Cameroonian government after three meetings, followed by its denial of ever participating in the talks.

Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem break down how the Canada process was structured and highlight the critical role of inclusivity in p...

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, we delve into the complex and ongoing conflict between Anglophone Southern Cameroon (Ambazonia) and the Francophone central government of Cameroon. Rooted in a history of colonization by different powers, the two regions developed distinct cultures. Over decades, this divide has been exacerbated by persistent systemic marginalization and discrimination against Southern Cameroonians. In 2016, these divisions escalated into an armed conflict involving numerous separatist groups and leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.

Joining the discussion are two expert voices from the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Dialogue and Negotiation...

In this compelling episode of Lawyering Peace, Ambassador Keith Harper, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council, explores the intricate relationship between human rights and the establishment of durable peace. 

Drawing from his extensive experience in global diplomacy, Ambassador Harper discusses how the promotion and protection of human rights are essential pillars of lasting peace. He delves into the challenges of integrating human rights into peace negotiations, especially when accountability is at stake, offering real-world examples from South Sudan to Sri Lanka. 

Through an engaging conversation, Ambassador Harper addresses the role of...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Hind Kabawat, Deputy Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission Office in Geneva. Hind shares her insights from growing up in Damascus to becoming a key figure in the Geneva peace talks.

Hind delves into the profound challenges faced during the Syrian conflict, from the brutal dictatorship to the devastating chemical attacks in Ghouta. She recounts the harrowing experiences of Syrian activists and civilians who have endured unimaginable suffering, and how the Arab Spring ignited a flame of hope among Syrians longing for change.

As a lawyer and...

In part two of our conversation with Robert Ford, former U.S. Ambassador to Syria, we delve into the turbulent years of 2011-2014, a period marked by the breakdown of dialogue, escalating conflict, and the Geneva Peace Talks.

Key Topics Covered:

This episode of Lawyering Peace features part one of a conversation with Ambassador Robert Ford, who led the political office in the U.S. Embassy in Iraq from 2004 - 2006, during a pivotal time in the country’s history. Charged with helping Iraq rebuild its government, Ford offers a candid reflection on the challenges and lessons learned from the 2005 Iraqi elections—an event that was as much about international diplomacy as it was about democracy.

Key takeaways from the episode:

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, we sit down with Ambassador Jorge Lomanco, a distinguished diplomat from Mexico who has served as an ambassador to both the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Organization of American States. As the chief negotiator of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, for which he and his team were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Ambassador Lomanco brings a wealth of experience to the table.

The conversation dives deep into the critical role human rights play in achieving durable peace. Ambassador Lomanco discusses the moral obligation to prioritize human...

Dive into the riveting behind-the-scenes story of Sudan’s 2020 Juba Peace Agreement negotiations with Mohammed al-Ta'ishi, chief negotiator for the Sudanese Transitional Government and key architect of the Agreement. In this must-listen episode of Lawyering Peace, al-Ta'ishi reveals the challenges and triumphs of negotiating peace amidst Sudan's complex military and civilian dynamics.

From his roots in South Darfur to leading pivotal peace talks for his country, al-Ta'ishi offers a unique perspective on the intricate art of negotiation. Learn how he managed an eclectic civilian-military delegation, dealt with nefarious actors, navigated power-sharing dilemmas, and championed transitional justice. His in...

In this special episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, we are honored to host Ambassador Juan Esteban Aguirre, who brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career as Paraguay's Minister of Foreign Affairs and as the Vice President of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Aguirre has also served as Paraguay's Ambassador to the United States, Canada, and Brazil, and as Head of Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

Ambassador Aguirre delves into the critical role that human rights protections play in building and sustaining durable peace. Drawing from his experience in various conflict...

Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran joins Dr. Williams on this compelling episode of Lawyering Peace. Mr. Rudrakumaran, or Rudra, served as the former legal advisor to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the peace talks with the Government of Sri Lanka that commenced in 2000. He is currently heading the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam in exile as its Prime Minister. 

Rudra provides a vivid recount of the context leading to the Norwegian-facilitated peace process in Thailand, detailing his journey to becoming the LTTE’s chief legal advisor. He delves into the unique challenges faced by lawyers representing non-state arm...

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, Dr. Paul Williams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Meg deGuzman, Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Institute for International Law and Public Policy at Temple University. Professor de Guzman, a distinguished judge at the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and Senior Peace Fellow at PILPG, shares her expansive view on the role of justice mechanisms in building durable peace.

Throughout the interview, they explore the complexities and nuances of international justice and the evolution of accountability. Professor deGuzman highlights the potential of non-judicial accountability mechanisms...

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, Anna Triponel delves into the challenging yet hopeful post-Gaddafi era in Libya. After nearly 50 years of authoritarian rule, the nation faced the monumental task of building a new identity from the ground up, with no existing rule of law infrastructure or constitution. The Libyan people encountered a myriad of obstacles, including the widespread circulation of weapons and deep-seated distrust among various factions.

Anna, who led PILPG’s efforts to advise Libya on the post-conflict constitutional process and specifically headed the Libyan women’s cohort during this transformative period, discusses the...

This episode of Lawyering Peace, features Chief Prosecutor for the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone (Special Court), David Crane. Crane is renowned for indicting Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia, marking the first time a sitting head of state was held accountable for atrocity crimes. Given this milestone, the Special Court has been used as a blueprint for subsequent international criminal tribunals. 

The episode delves into the effectiveness of the Special Court in establishing durable peace and explores the conflict in Sierra Leone that led to its creation. It also examines the blanket am...

Ambassador Stephen Rapp, former US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, joins Dr. Paul R. Williams in this compelling episode of Lawyering Peace, to delve into the crucial role of global criminal justice in shaping durable peace.

In this episode, Ambassador Rapp shares insights into accountability related to the Arab Spring, the Sierra Leone conflict, and the Rwandan Genocide, and emphasizes the importance of holding perpetrators of international crimes accountable. Drawing parallels to historical events, he discusses the delicate balance between granting amnesty for political crimes and ensuring accountability for atrocities. Ambassador Rapp tells us: durable peace is...

In this episode, Dr. Williams speaks with Kate Gibson, an experienced lawyer who has represented former heads of state, military leaders, and victims of international crimes before international criminal courts and tribunals since 2005. Kate discusses how these tribunals can sometimes hinder peace, especially in cases of victor’s justice and when the process is too disconnected from the affected communities. She also addresses the growing skepticism about the International Criminal Court’s ability to contribute to peace and provide victim catharsis. Tune in to hear Kate challenge the popular belief that we are in an ‘Era of Accountability’.

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In this episode, Dr. Paul R. Williams speaks with Michael Scharf, a drafter of the Statute that created the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Initially intended by the international legal community as a symbolic gesture, the tribunal became a powerful instrument of justice under a prosecutor  whose unwavering commitment to justice over political convenience challenged the status quo of international practices. We explore how this commitment to justice impacted the Balkans peace processes, the role of international tribunals in balancing peace and accountability, and the legacy of the ICTY in shaping future tribunals and the International C...

In this unique episode, we speak with Ambassador Zorica Maric Djordjevic, to explore the subtleties of diplomacy and Montenegro's extraordinary journey in international relations. The discussion unveils Montenegro as an understated success story in U.S. foreign policy, spotlighting Ambassador Djordjevic’s instrumental role in enhancing ties with the U.S., the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization from 1989 to 2020.

Ambassador Djordjevic brings her unique perspectives from her time guiding Montenegro out of conflict and into statehood, emphasizing the importance of applying a gendered lens to negotiations. 

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...

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, we delve into Guatemala's journey toward peace through the lens of the 1996 Peace Accords process, which concluded 36 years of internal conflict. Ambassador Donald Planty, the United States Ambassador to Guatemala during the peace process, shares his firsthand experiences from engaging in the process, emphasizing the crucial role of international cooperation, especially the strategic support of the "Friends of the Peace Process" in this context. This episode also unpacks the essential skills for successful diplomacy, such as relationship building, effective listening, and understanding diverse perspectives. Ambassador Planty illustrates how capitalizing on these...

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 sol...

Matt Simpson has been engaged in several peace and post-conflict processes around the world, and is now Co-Chair of the Private Equity Practice at Mintz. This episode delves into Matt’s role as the Principal Legal Advisor to the Darfur Delegation in the Doha Round of Peace Negotiations, which aimed to resolve the Darfur conflict. In this position, Matt led a team of over two dozen international legal and policy advisors, and was charged with advising on the full range of issues that presented themselves during the negotiations, including power sharing, security arrangements, demilitarization, wealth allocation from natural resources, an...

Dr. Patrick Maluki is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi and Kenya’s top expert in peace and diplomacy.  Dr. Maluki has extensive experience in the peace and conflict mediation arena. He holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya and is an expert trainer and researcher in international negotiation, mediation, human rights, governance, and peace building issues. This episode focuses on Dr. Maluki’s in-depth knowledge of the causes of conflict, conflict prevention, and conflict mitigation.

Yoonie Kim is a former PILPG-er, and is currently a Senior Political Affairs Officer and the Gulf Team Leader at the United Nations. This episode explores Yoonie’s time serving as Senior Advisor and Special Assistant to the UN Special Envoy Jamal Benomar on the Yemen peace process, examining the ways in which mediation teams operate when supporting challenging and complex negotiations, and the importance of collaboration between the various actors involved in peace negotiations when pursuing durable peace.

Vartan Oskanian, is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Armenia, and a former member of the Armenian Parliament. This episode delves into Vartan’s role as Armenia’s chief negotiator for the Nagorno Karabakh Key West negotiations in 2001, which sought to resolve the protracted Nagorno Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The episode in part explores the realities of negotiations that do not result in a durable peace agreement, and the lessons learned for future negotiators.

Dr. Alush Gashi has extensive diplomatic and political experience in the peace negotiations and self determination space and is a widely respected human rights activist. This episode focuses on the integral contribution Alush has made to the realization of Kosovar self determination, exploring his time as Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic League of Kosova and Senior Advisor to President Ibrahim Rugova during the Rambouillet Negotiations of 1999; his key role in the negotiations between Pristina and Belgrade o 2004; and his position as majority leader in the Kosova Parliament during the Ahtisaari Negotiations of 2007. Alush draws upon his more...

President Igor Luksic is the former President of Montenegro, having held myriad other positions in Montenegro’s government, including that of Finance Minister and Foreign Minister.  In this episode, the conversation explores Igor’s role as a key member of the Constitutional Commission which negotiated the Union Treaty of Serbia and Montenegro on Montenegro’s behalf. The Union Treaty provided for the secession of Montenegro from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.