Transformative diplomacy? Micro-sociological observations from the Philippine peace talks

Abstract How do adversaries build social bonds in peace talks and how decisive are such for the success of processes? The article investigates micro-sociological thesis that diplomatic face-to-face interaction can generate bonds. It is based on direct observations from between Philippine government communist party (NDFP) January 2017 backchannel 2020. shows took form friendly disengaged with very little dominating or conflictual interaction. Observations interviews participants show were generated at negotiations. However, broke down immediately after third round has not been running since, apart back-channel discusses remarkable contrast good atmosphere table breakdown negotiations, arguing while holds transformative potential, right people need to be it bring peace. As neither president Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, nor hardliners his present table, potential was limited. therefore questions talks, if leaders present.