- Teacher: Stéphan Davidshofer
Negotiation lies at the heart of international relations. Whether between states, international organizations, non-state actors, or humanitarian agencies, negotiation is a key instrument of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and cooperation. This course offers an introduction to the theories, methods, and practices of international negotiations, while critically examining how these unfold in a context marked by geopolitical tensions, the erosion of multilateralism, and the emergence of new actors and arenas.
Students will be introduced to classical and contemporary theories of negotiation, including rational choice models, integrative and distributive bargaining, and constructivist or relational approaches. These will be critically examined in light of current global challenges—such as geopolitical rivalry, environmental crises, migration, armed conflict, and normative fragmentation—that affect negotiation processes and outcomes.
An essential dimension of this course is its focus on “International Geneva” as a unique diplomatic ecosystem. As a global hub of multilateral diplomacy, humanitarian action, disarmament negotiations, and standard-setting, Geneva hosts a wide range of actors—states, UN agencies, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations. Through this course, students will gain direct exposure to the diverse negotiation practices in Geneva, with guest speakers from international organizations, permanent missions, and NGOs sharing their firsthand expertise and experiences.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand and compare key theories and models of international negotiation;
- Analyze how global trends shape contemporary negotiation contexts;
- Identify different forms of negotiation (bilateral, multilateral, informal, humanitarian, military);
- Engage with the institutional and actor landscape of International Geneva;