Pathways to Agreement With Professor Daniel Druckman

The Connected Leadership Podcast

Welcome to the Connected Leadership podcast with Andy Lopata. In this episode, Andy’s guest is Professor Daniel Druckman, a distinguished expert in negotiation, conflict management, and international affairs. Daniel Druckman is Professor Emeritus at George Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government and an Honorary Professor at Macquarie University in Sydney and at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia. His work focuses on negotiation, nationalism, group identity and conflict resolution among other topics. He is the recipient of five lifetime achievement awards and his most recent books, published this year, are ‘Negotiation, Identify, and Justice: Pathways to Agreement’ and “When Peacekeeping Missions Collide: Balancing Multiple Roles in Peace Operations.

Andy starts the podcast by asking Daniel to share insights into his unique career path, transitioning from experimental social psychology to macro-level political science. Daniel recounts three significant consulting assignments, illustrating the complexity of negotiations involving topics like renewing military bases with Spain, managing alliances between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, and contributing to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) negotiations with the Soviet Union.

Andy and Professor Druckman discuss the concept of turning points in negotiations, exploring the factors that precipitate departures and the subsequent consequences. They look at the importance of flexibility in negotiations, where Professor Druckman emphasises the need for adaptability and training to navigate unpredictable situations successfully.

The episode touches on the psychological aspects of negotiations, including the constructive use of anger and the significance of open communication. Professor Druckman shares valuable exercises to foster mutual understanding and build rapport between negotiating parties.

Reflecting on the current state of political polarisation, the discussion highlights challenges in maintaining civil discourse and finding common ground in today's divisive climate. Professor Druckman acknowledges the need for creative solutions to address these issues.

The multifaceted realm of negotiation, global diplomacy, and conflict resolution is explored. Professor Druckman shares his experiences negotiating on a global scale, emphasising the impact of diplomatic and working cultures.

The conversation examines the nuances of nationalism and patriotism, shedding light on their roles in conflict resolution and collective identity. Professor Druckman emphasises the importance of transitioning from a nationalist stance to a more cooperative and inclusive patriotic stance.

Andy and Daniel also talk about the significance of joint community activities in fostering reconciliation. The challenge of sustaining peace when conflicts involve deeply entrenched identities is highlighted and the complexities of identity issues in conflict resolution are explored.

This episode looks into the intricacies of negotiation, conflict resolution, and global affairs, offering valuable insights and practical takeaways for both personal and professional contexts.

Connect with Andy Lopata Website

Connect with Professor Daniel Druckman Website