Publication

This paper looks at the peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The author argues that the rules of procedure – no ceasefire, extreme confidentiality on the discussions, a limited agenda, direct negotiations without civil society participation or international mediation – have helped to isolate the talks from the pressures of everyday reality. He concludes that the negotiations have advanced in such a way that there is ground for careful optimism regarding their outcome.