I am raising the subject mainly because the idea of empathy needs to be more embedded than ever as we negotiate a very difficult peace process. The negotiations no longer exist in theory; they have become a reality. I am still aware of a lack of empathy among some of the stakeholders in the negotiations.
Empathy is about getting to the heart of the problem.
It is associated with a willingness to reach a negotiated settlement, which is in turn associated with the possible cost of a failure to achieve an agreement.
Aung Naing Oo is the associate director, Peace Dialogue Program, Myanmar Peace Center.
