Many different factors affect the quality of international negotiations.
Getting one country to conform to another nation's bidding is the work of a skilled negotiator. Sometimes the request involves dangerous weaponry, such as the U.S. asking Iran to halt its nuclear weapons program. Other requests are humanitarian in nature, such as Sudan or Haiti asking nations for medical assistance. Regardless of the type of negotiation, a number of factors affect the quality and seamlessness of such meetings.
Organzation Membership
International negotiations go smoother between countries when both are obligated to abide by the rules governing their international organization. For instance, Germany and Greece have an inherent incentive to come to an agreement because both are members of the European Union. In cases such as these, lengthy, drawn-out conflicts make both parties worse off. Additionally, membership in a trade or economic union means countries face consequences if they do not abide by a rule of the organization. Examples of international trade organizations include NAFTA, GATT and the WTO.
Cultural and Governmental Factors
The culture and government that define a country influence its ability negotiate with others. During the Cold War, negotiations between the United States and Russia were strained due to the notable differences between the countries. The United States disagreed with Russia's communist policies as well as the government's stance on nuclear weapons. However, the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the formation of independent, democratic countries improved diplomatic relations.
Foreign Policy Implementation
The availability of resources or desire to implement a policy influences international negotiations between countries. In some cases, negotiations turn violent. George Washington University lists several declassified documents that show the CIA's assassination attempts on presidents of Latin American countries in the 1950s and 1970s. Most of the attempts were in an effort to gain control over an economic resource in the country. Carl Jensen, author of "20 Years of Censored News," explains the way Oliver North engaged in illicit international negotiations to fund and support Costa Rica's drug smuggling operation in the 1980s.
Economic Factors
The economic strength of a country greatly impacts the direction of international negotiations. For example, the United States frequently engages in negotiations with China in an effort to get the nation to revalue its currency, the yuan. However, the sheer economic magnitude of China means the president has more leverage in such negotiations. Likewise, the United States frequently uses its economic strength to strong-arm countries during negotiations. Small countries without such leverage usually acquiesce to the desire of the more powerful country. The threat of trade sanctions is a significant tool of negotiators: Withdrawing economic ties can have a devastating impact on the local economy.
