The Global Power of Talk: Negotiating America’s Interests

Norman Paterson School of International Affairs professor Hampson (Madness in the Multitude: Human Security and World Disorder) and Johns Hopkins professor Zartman (Negotiation and Conflict Management) make a case for the “power of talk” in the contemporary diplomatic landscape. Compiling detailed analyses of historical disputes from Cuba to Cambodia, the authors offer examples of how leaders and political bodies successfully utilized “talk power” to prevent catastrophe, as well as identifying some misapplications of negotiation. They provide an array of techniques, from types of talk (including Triple Talk and Straight Talk) for different situations, to the benefits of team building with nations of different ideologies in order to coerce them into a compromise. While the book argues that diplomacy—when used promptly and correctly—can help prevent future conflict, it does little to address situations that are beyond bargaining or matters that require expedited results. Despite these shortcomings, the reinforcement of open dialogue between nations as an alternative to military aggression reads as a persuasive and timely argument, offering a new perspective on diplomatic relations and an optimistic eye toward the future. (Mar.)