Negotiating conflict transformations

Abstract

Negotiations to reach an agreement between adversaries are an episode in the course of the dynamic relationship between them. Some developments within and between adversaries bring them into negotiations; the negotiation process helps shape an agreement, or fails to; and those results influence the future trajectory of their conflict. This chapter focuses on how negotiation sequences mark and contribute to constructive conflict transformations, or fail to do so. Several cases of sequences of negotiation episodes are briefly noted. I then discuss four structural matters that affect the conflict trajectories. These matters are conflict context, methods of past struggle, symmetry of the relationship, and non-contentious aspects of the relationship. Finally, six conflict resolution negotiation strategies that affect reaching agreements and constructive conflict transformations are examined. The strategies are mediation, negotiation framing, mutual recognition of concerns, implementation of agreements, multilevel engagement, and managing spoiling actions.