What do negotiations look like when one party to peace talks never intended to negotiate in good faith? What can we learn from peace talks that didn’t lead to peace?

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, former Danish diplomat Ivan M. Nielsen joins Dr. Paul R. Williams to reflect on his role as Denmark’s Special Envoy to the Syrian Opposition during the UN-backed Geneva peace talks.

Nielsen offers an insider's view of the Geneva process, describing how the Assad regime went through the motions of negotiation while continuing attacks on civilians—with Russia’s backing. He discusses the complex dynamics of engaging with a fragmented opposition, the structural challenges posed by the UN framework, and the difficulty of maintaining a meaningful diplomatic process under asymmetrical conditions.

Drawing on his experience in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Africa, Nielsen shares core lessons that are important for both Syria and other post-conflict states. Nielson offers us a cautious but enduring message of optimism about Syria’s long road ahead.

🎧 Tune in for an insightful and thoughtful discussion on diplomacy, accountability, and the struggle for peace in Syria.

Why does the crime of aggression matter for Ukraine and international peace?

How can a Special Tribunal hold Russian leaders accountable? In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Ukrainian international lawyer Dr. Gaiane Nuridzhanian joins the conversation to explain the case for a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

Dr. Nuridzhanian walks us through the evolution of the debate surrounding the crime of aggression, and presents a treaty-based tribunal—supported by Ukraine and the Council of Europe—as a legally sound, politically feasible alternative.

The conversation explores legal and strategic questions around the establishment of such a tribunal, from head-of-state immunity and trials in absentia to the inclusion of victims and its implications for future peace negotiations.

In a moment when the rules-based international legal order is under threat, our conversation with Dr. Nuridzhanian reminds us why prosecuting Russia’s war of aggression is critical not just for Ukraine, but for global accountability and future conflict prevention. Tune in for a timely discussion on justice, accountability, and international legal innovation.

----------------------- Ukraine and its allies stand at a critical juncture as they pursue a just and lasting peace and an end to Russia’s war of aggression. The road ahead is fraught with difficult issues that will arise during a future peace process, from territorial integrity and post-war security frameworks to EU accession and justice and accountability.

In this special mini-series, Prospects for Peace In Ukraine, we sit down with Ukrainian and international experts in law, diplomacy, and peace negotiations to explore some of these key issues. Together, we examine the strategies, options, and opportunities ahead as Ukraine and its allies navigate the peace process against a shifting international landscape.

How is Ukraine reforming its judiciary while defending itself from Russian aggression?

What role does judicial reform play in Ukraine’s pursuit of EU membership and democratic transformation? In this episode, Prof. Tetyana Antsupova joins Dr. Paul R. Williams on the Lawyering Peace podcast.

Prof. Antsupova—former Supreme Court judge of Ukraine and British Academy Research Fellow—shares personal and professional reflections on the sweeping judicial reforms unfolding in Ukraine since 2014.

This episode examines how Ukraine is rebuilding judicial institutions in line with EU standards, balancing wartime pressures with long-term goals. Prof. Antsupova highlights the role of international experts, civil society, and European partners in building trust, advancing independence, and fostering resilience within the judiciary.

She also reflects on lessons from other EU states, the unique challenges of judicial reform during active conflict, and the urgent need for long-term strategic planning and public confidence in the rule of law.

This conversation demonstrates how Ukraine’s judiciary stands as a testament to resilience and reform in the face of aggression.

----------------------- Ukraine and its allies stand at a critical juncture as they pursue a just and lasting peace and an end to Russia’s war of aggression. The road ahead is fraught with difficult issues that will arise during a future peace process, from territorial integrity and post-war security frameworks to EU accession and justice and accountability.

In this special mini-series, Prospects for Peace In Ukraine, we sit down with Ukrainian and international experts in law, diplomacy, and peace negotiations to explore some of these key issues. Together, we examine the strategies, options, and opportunities ahead as Ukraine and its allies navigate the peace process against a shifting international landscape.