NCJ Number
100250
Journal
Negotiation Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1985) Pages: 331-347
Date Published
1985
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study compares the mediation structures, strategies, and tactics of Secretary of State Kissinger and President Carter in addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict from 1973 to 1979 and draws lessons for effective mediation.
Abstract
Kissinger consciously chose a bargaining triad and a partial and incremental strategy in dealing with Arab-Israeli conflict. President Carter rejected this strategy in favor of a multilateral comprehensive approach intended to resolve the Palestinian issue. Failing to make progress with this strategy, President Carter also resorted to a bargaining triad (Israel, Egypt, and the United States) to achieve partial and incremental conflict resolution. Although there were some differences between Carter's and Kissinger's mediation tactics, the major tactics were similar, as were the resources used. The incremental approach of Kissinger created the climate for Carter's additional steps, and Carter's progress has now thrust the Palestinian issue to the top of the negotiating agenda. One lesson for effective negotiation is that the parties must be persuaded of the disadvantages of continued armed conflict, and the mediator must be highly skilled and committed to a series of transitional arrangements that mark incremental progress. Finally, mediation is likely to be effective when the mediator creates the obligation of the parties to reach agreement. 6 references.