I was one of the speakers at the TEDGlobal 2010 Conference in Oxford in July and shared my thoughts about how we can explain recent trends of declining numbers of ethnic conflicts and civil wars-and how we can make sure that this trend continues.

Drawing on a global survey of whether, when and how ethnic conflicts and civil wars end, as well as on my own personal experience as a mediator and advisor in a number of peace negotiations, I emphasise the importance of three elements: leadership, diplomacy, and institutional design.

The “video” of my TEDGlobal2010 Talk: There is no good news about ethnic conflict and civil war…or is there? is freely downloadable via the link at the top of this page.