The Gist Unsympathetic Empathy
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Jun 18, 2025 
Stuart Eizenstat, a veteran diplomat and policy advisor, dives into his book, shedding light on the art of negotiation from historic agreements to Holocaust reparations. He introduces the concept of 'unsympathetic empathy' and discusses its role in diplomacy. Eizenstat contrasts the courage of leaders like Anwar Sadat against the refusal of others to compromise, while also examining the significant implications of recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly regarding the Sackler family and their responsibility in the opioid crisis.
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Unsympathetic Empathy in Diplomacy
- Effective diplomacy requires unsympathetic empathy, understanding the other's needs without adopting their desires.
- Building personal relationships with adversaries, like Shevardnadze and German officials, greatly aids negotiations.
Broadening Holocaust Restitution Scope
- Eizenstat led Holocaust slave labor negotiations insisting reparations cover both Jewish and non-Jewish forced laborers.
- This approach broadened responsibility beyond just Jewish victims, involving German companies and government.
Germany's Genuine Repayment Ethic
- Germany's post-war reparations stem from a moral obligation, unlike other countries reluctant to apologize.
- German leaders accepted national responsibility early, embedding restitution into their national identity.
