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How Important Do You Consider The ‘Pre-Negotiation’ Phase Is For The Successful Realisation Of One's Goals In An International Negotiation?

How Important do you consider the ‘pre-negotiation’ phase
Is for the successful realisation of one’s goals
In an international negotiation?

The pre-negotiation phase is the initial process of negotiations which takes place when one or more parties have agreed to discuss certain issues, this phase ends, according to Stein (1989 p. x), when formal negotiations commence or when the prospect of negotiations as a policy option are abandoned.
Pantev (2000 p. 65) explains that ‘Prenegotiation is needed for reducing the uncertainty and managing complexity when there is a multiplicity of interests, parties and roles. In particular circumstances, pre-negotiations provide lower exit costs than formal negotiations would do.’ Therefore, prenegotiation can be a way for adversaries to test the potential for formal negotiations and learn more about the interests of other parties whilst avoiding sunk costs and extended commitment.
The key components of pre-negotiations are discussed by Berridge (2005 pp 33-42) and highlight the importance of the choices in format, delegations, venue and agenda which are all vital components in this phase and can greatly improve or hinder the chances of success.
            This essay will examine the importance of pre-negotiations in an international environment by looking at various case studies and analysing the main contributing factors to there outcome. This will be conducted by looking at the phase in a wider context, and discussing factors, other than pre-negotiations, which may have influenced the outcome. This essay will look at three different case studies, firstly the Arab – Israeli conflict, secondly the Israel – Palestine issue and finally the divisions in post colonial Cyprus. A balanced analysis of the essay question indicates that pre-negotiations are indeed vital in the realisation of ones goals; however there are often other factors, strategic and institutional, that can contribute to this.

The Arab –Israeli issue is...