Consider a current or historical issue that may cause a rift or varying beliefs.
Please consider:
- Instruction and exemplar layout: Negotiation Lesson
- Negotiation Reading
Full Answer Section
Exemplar Activity:
The class will be divided into two groups: developed nations and developing nations. Both groups will be tasked with negotiating a global climate change policy.
- Developed Nations:Their interests may include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and providing financial aid to developing nations for climate adaptation.
- Developing Nations:Their interests may include receiving financial and technological assistance for clean energy development, protecting their economies from the costs of transitioning away from fossil fuels, and ensuring a just transition for workers in carbon-intensive industries.
Negotiation Reading:
"The Intricacies of International Climate Change Negotiations" by Michael W. McAfee [1]
This article explores the complex challenges of international climate change negotiations. It highlights the different perspectives and priorities of developed and developing nations, which often lead to conflicting positions. The article also discusses the importance of building trust, identifying common ground, and making concessions to reach a successful agreement.
Benefits of Using Climate Change as a Negotiation Issue:
- Real-World Relevance:Climate change is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences. Studying negotiations around climate policies allows students to connect classroom learning to real-world problems.
- Diverse Perspectives:The issue involves stakeholders with diverse interests, which provides a rich ground for understanding different negotiation positions and strategies.
- Complexity and Compromise:Reaching a solution on climate change requires negotiation, compromise, and creative thinking, all of which are important skills for students to develop.
Potential Challenges:
- Emotional Intensity:Climate change is a highly charged issue, and students may hold strong personal opinions that could affect their ability to negotiate objectively.
- Information Overload:The issue is complex, and students may need time to understand the different perspectives and scientific evidence involved.
Addressing Challenges:
- Facilitation:The teacher can act as a facilitator, ensuring a respectful and productive discussion.
- Ground Rules:Establish ground rules for respectful communication and open-mindedness during the negotiation simulation.
- Debriefing:Dedicate time after the simulation to discuss the different positions, strategies used, and the challenges of reaching an agreement.
By using climate change as a negotiation issue, students can gain valuable insights into the complexities of reaching agreements on sensitive topics, while also developing important negotiation skills.