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The private sector has, at times, been accused of focusing on increasing profits and protecting its interests rather than advancing the cause of peace (see 'DRC'). However can ‘business’, in fact, be an important contributing factor in reaching a peaceful solution to conflict?

This paper considers the diverse role the private sector can play in peace processes and argues that they are, in fact, ideally placed to contribute. For instance, the research asserts that:

• the private sector, domestic or multinational, is often present in contexts of armed conflict and exposed to its risks and impacts, which frequently compel it to act
  
• it has the capacities (human, resources, managerial and technical, among others) to intervene in different ways
  
• in conflict contexts, states are unwilling or unable to provide essential services and functions – leaving the private sector to perform such roles.

However the paper also states that if the private sector is not adequately drawn into a peace process, its interests not taken into account, or its involvement not managed well, it can play the role of a potential spoiler. Subsequently the authors offer a number of recommendations for effective business engagement in the peace process:

• the private sector’s credibility and legitimacy. The private sector cannot walk into a peace negotiation; it has to earn its place. It can do so if its activities are credible and legitimate
  
• the private sector’s ability to act collectively. When the private sector does not see peace as in the interests of the entire sector, the sector’s peacebuilding attempts falter
  
• the private sector’s experience of social engagement. If the private sector has experience of engaging with a range of actors, it makes discussions and negotiations more productive
  
• the understanding and acceptance of the notion of peace dividend. Effective dissemination of information, in a format familiar to the business community, goes a long way in building intra-sector consensus.

The paper then offers a number of specific recommendations for mediators in dealing with the private sector in peace processes.

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