The end of the Cold War saw an increase both in violent conflict occurring mainly within state borders (although often with transnational dimensions), and in the international attention devoted to such conflict. Second, a common approach to conflict resolution emerged that involved direct negotiations between governments and their armed opponents, who were treated for these purposes as equals. This approach contrasted with earlier methods of noninterference or engaging primarily with states, often through regional frameworks. Third, this method resulted in a common approach to settlement design that linked cease-fires to agreement on new political and legal arrangements for holding and exercising power.