New Books in Political Science

Eric Min, "Words of War: Negotiation as a Tool of Conflict" (Cornell UP, 2025)

Apr 7, 2025
Dr. Eric Min, an assistant professor at UCLA, dives deep into the world of wartime negotiations, challenging the notion that they simply end conflicts. He introduces the concepts of sincere versus insincere negotiations, revealing how some talks can escalate rather than cease fighting. Using historical case studies, he illustrates the impact of external pressures and battlefield dynamics on diplomatic efforts. Min’s research shows that understanding these nuances can reshape the way we view international conflicts and the role of negotiation in war.
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INSIGHT

Wartime Negotiation as a Tool

  • Wartime negotiation is a strategic tool, not just for peace.
  • States use it to manage, fight, and win wars, not just end them.
INSIGHT

Sincere vs. Insincere Negotiations

  • Sincere negotiations aim for genuine agreements, even if they fail.
  • Insincere negotiations exploit talks for other gains, even undermining peace.
INSIGHT

Factors Influencing Negotiation Sincerity

  • Battlefield trends and external pressures shape negotiation strategies.
  • High external pressure combined with indeterminate battlefield activity often leads to insincere negotiations.
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