Learning the art of negotiation

The negotiation and mediation side of AMUNC is probably the hardest skill to learn. Much depends on a mixture of personality and experience. Having attended one or two conferences, you will soon develop your own negotiation style.

Form Blocs…

On arriving at your committee rooms for the opening session, it is a good idea to find a group of like-minded States. This may simply be a matter of a regional or economic bloc. Many complex social, cultural and ethical issues, however, may split even the strongest alliances. For example, the question of human cloning has divided the traditionally strong relationship of the United States, which opposes all cloning and the United Kingdom, which promotes cloning for therapeutic reasons.

Build Relationships…

Take the time to build personal relationships with each member of any initial coalition rather than addressing each other by country name. Quite often a coalition formed early on will split their workload, with half the delegates working on resolution drafting outside the formal session and the other half ensuring the coalition’s views are well-represented in committee.

Mingle…

It is important, however, to deal with as many delegates as possible, for an overly cliquey bloc may alienate other States whose support is required to build consensus.

Any negotiation will inevitably involve some degree of compromise. Make sure you keep in mind the basic principles that inform your State’s understanding of the issues and that you do not fall back on a position that jeopardises these.

Have a break…

While it is perhaps tempting to continue negotiating during the conference social events, it is also important to have the self-discipline to know when to stop ‘talking shop’ and enjoy yourself!