Nazrin I A Master Student, Studying International

¶ … Nazrin I a Master student, studying International Relations Diplomacy. I write a review book written 2007 Rudolf Avenhaus, I.William Zartman 'Diplomacy games:formal models international negotiations." "Diplomacy games: formal models and international negotiations" by Rudolf Avenhaus, I.

William Zartman represents an important contribution to the specialized literature in the area of international relations, presented in the form of a compilation of articles and points-of-view from important scholars in the domains, such as Matthias Raith, expert in development of analytical individual and group decisions, Dana Rowlands, author of several books on conflict resolution and peacekeeping interventions. The negotiation process plays a vital role in the way in which international politics is conducted not only for the practitioners but also for the beneficiaries of the results of negotiations.

The book's aim is to point out precisely the need for applying theoretical analysis to practical processes. The message of the book is, as pointed out by its authors, is to analyze particular questions related to the way in which theoretical approaches can be mixed with practical answers to solutions in terms of international negotiations and practices.

Better said, the book focuses on "how can the abstract concepts and results of rational choice theorists can be made more understandable and plausible to political and social scientists not trained to work with formal models, what can be done to encourage practitioners' use of quantitative approaches (…) in the analyses of real world negotiation problems, how can practitioners (…) apply formal models of their more important problems".

In other words, the book tries to explain the way in which the negotiation practice can benefit from the theoretical background and from scholarly contributions. The answers to these questions are related to previous experience in negotiations. In this sense, the first question addresses the means through which practitioners can be convinced to always take into account theoretical approaches to certain issues. The authors content that regardless of the complexity of an international issue, this issue is not singular as history itself presents cyclical processes.

Therefore, each negotiation process follows similar steps, such as pre-negotiation, agenda setting, elements to be negotiated, and agreement. Thus, when preparing for a negotiation these aspects must be taken into account even if the practical elements of the matter at hand are different from one case to another. In this sense, the theoretical approach provides guidelines for the process, which can, in their turn be applied, interpreted, or adjusted for each case. The use of theory is also important because of the premises it provides.

The mathematical calculations in theories such as the game theory, the chicken theory developed during the Missile Crisis in '62, provide a background for adaptation to current situations. Under these elements, theory presents itself as a framework for further analysis. The negotiation game is transferred to mathematics and developed into a solution finding process. The theory often tries to explain, not identify solutions. Yet, the explanation process provides in itself the solution because it values the solution as the best possible from the mathematical process.

The theory in this sense is not bias as there is little emotional interference; thus, theory provides a clear-cut analysis of a process and a proper background for further interpretation at a given case. The second question is related to quantitative research being used by policy makers. Indeed, there is not sufficient appeal for policy makers to use theoretical approaches especially in terms of quantitate research. Yet, the book points out.