Enlarging the negotiation table with business sector actors: who, how and with what effect?

Abstract

This article examines the inclusion of business sector actors in peace and political transition negotiations. Looking across twenty-two cases, this study examines who has been included as business sector representatives in these negotiations and through which inclusion modalities. The study finds that business sector actors were included primarily through consultation modalities in officially mandated meetings running parallel to negotiations, informal consultations, or as part of public consultations. Second most common is direct representation of business sector actors at the negotiation table. Less common is business sector inclusion in high-level track one-and-a-half workshops and inclusive commissions. The article then focuses on the impact of business actors on negotiations. Four cases of business inclusion are discussed in detail – Somalia, Kenya, Guatemala and El Salvador – comparing and contrasting supportive and obstructive examples.