The Peacemaking section of the Theory category focuses primarily on the negotiation process, as it forms the basis for mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.

Peacemaking is the diplomatic effort intended to move a violent conflict into nonviolent dialogue, where differences are normally settled through representative political institutions. The objective of peacemaking is to end the violence between the contending parties. A peace agreement is the desired end result of negotiations; such an agreement can be comprehensive or limited. To be sustainable, peace agreements have to include all key players of the conflict, end destructive violence, which is often established through a ceasefire agreement, and address the root causes of the conflict. The peace agreement should outline the means to strengthen a non-violent process of conflict de-escalation that ultimately leads to the transformation or resolution of the root causes of the violence. Peacemaking can be done through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. International law provides another channel through international courts.