Fighting and Negotiating with Armed Groups

What constitutes an effective and realistic strategy for dealing with non-state armed groups? This question has bedevilled states the world over. Whether in Colombia, Turkey, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel-Palestine or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, governments have struggled either to fight or negotiate their way to a conclusion. The conflicts in Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka are the exceptions.

Fighting armed groups is an uncertain business, and so is negotiating. Doing both alternately, concurrently or selectively, is highly demanding. This book develops a framework to help analysts and policymakers understand the challenges of using a combination of coercion and diplomacy in dealing with armed groups. It considers which complexities have proved most inhibiting, and which have been worked around. What are the obvious traps that states fall into? What appear to be the smarter moves? 

Thinking in terms of ‘military’ or ‘political’ solutions is unhelpful – a strategic approach requires a fusion of coercion and negotiation. Drawing on ten disparate cases, this Adelphi book draws clear lessons for the creation and execution of a coherent strategy for states involved in such conflicts, which often run for generations. 


‘We only have two tools in dealing with terrorism – fighting and talking – and Samir Puri’s insightful book analyses the interaction between the two in conflicts from Northern Ireland to Colombia in a way that will help policymakers understand better how to manage both.’

Jonathan Powell, Chief of Staff to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, 1997–2007

‘A great tool for policymakers, in the quest for a peaceful and prosperous world. The cases described show how military strength, patience, flexibility, and political will should be sequenced and balanced to guarantee sustainable progress.’

Diana Quintero, Vice Minister of Defence for Strategy and Planning, Colombia, 2011–15

‘This study highlights the most difficult aspect of intra-state conflict: the dilemma of coercion and peace-talk. Those who seek a peaceful solution to any conflict could learn from its findings.’

Rizal Sukma, Ambassador of Indonesia to the UK and former Executive Director,

Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta

‘With a series of impressive case studies, Samir Puri provides a systematic and sobering analysis of the problems of sustaining a political track with violent

non-state actors.’

Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King’s College London