Democratization as an impetus for peace talks in civil wars

Costs associated with recognizing an internal armed challenger as a legitimate bargaining partner deter governments from initiating peace talks. Yet peaceful termination of conflict requires formal negotiations between the belligerents. This article presents evidence that democratic reforms provide window opportunity for Democratic represent to break away past policies state and render artifact preceding authoritarian institutions. The contributes research field by enhancing our ability predict negotiations. It also highlights can be undertaken during ongoing civil conflict.