This chapter provides international actors with a framework to guide their support to a peace process. It outlines nine key factors which contribute to a successful peace process, grouped around three crucial dimensions: the context, process and implementation. For each dimension, the chapter outlines their implications for the actors involved in supporting peace processes targeted by this publication. These nine factors are as follows:

1. Engaging international actors jointly and positively in conflict resolution

2. Taking care over how the conflict is framed internationally

3. Seizing the “ripe” time for resolving a conflict

4. Stimulating the ability of leaders to mobilise and engage broad coalitions

5. Being well prepared

6. Choosing a credible and acceptable mediator

7. Ensuring an inclusive process

8. Seeing implementation as a process of political dialogue

9. Enabling conflict parties to make a successful political transformation