Supermodels and saving the world

There are many paths to learning negotiation; the Trumpian adversarial model is a zero-sum, high conflict, no ethics, high cost, positional model, also sometimes referred to as transactional or distributive. The principled negotiation model is based on finding a fair outcome, wise decision based on serving the interests of the parties, not the original stated positions. It lends itself to collaboration toward an outcome of mutual gain.

Turns out that the principled negotiation model, sometimes referred to as integrative, tends to lead to a transformative process, that is, it often transforms a destructive conflict into a productive, constructive conflict. 

One might expect, then, for training done with students entering a Model UN simulation experience, they would be taught the different styles and be informed that using principled negotiation is more often the method used in successful negotiated outcomes toward, for example, peace, international agreements, global humanitarian processes, planetary environmental protection, and more.

Researchers have found, however, that, in general, students in Model UN simulations are not generally taught much about how to negotiate, but rather what the formal structures of the UN are and how UN business is conducted (O’Dell, Scott, Nealon & Franzino, 2024). 

Is it any wonder that it is so tough to create enforceable international treaties to protect people and the planet? Are there examples of such agreements that are in existence? 

I would point to the Montreal Protocol:[1]

"The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS). When released into the atmosphere, those chemicals damage the stratospheric ozone layer, Earth’s protective shield that protects humans and the environment from harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Adopted on 16 September 1987, the Protocol is to date one of the rare treaties to achieve universal ratification."

Enforceable? How? Some country refuses to give up manufacturing ODS and the UN conducts a military campaign to force compliance? Shoots the soldiers of the country? Assassinates the leaders?

Nope. It's all economic sticks and carrots, with mutually beneficial outcomes for literally every country on Earth. I am not privy to the precise negotiation methods, but for the US the diplomats first under George H.W. Bush and then under Clinton operated in the interests of the US but apparently did not regard also serving the interests of other countries as a bad thing or a dealbreaker.

Getting to yes for each and every country on Earth is possible. Peace is possible. Human rights are possible. 

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[1] https://www.unep.org/ozonaction/who-we-are/about-montreal-protocol

References

O’Dell, R. K. M., Scott, A. B., Nealon, M. J., & Franzino, B. N. (2024). Training for the United Nations in the Twenty-First Century; Professionalism Training on Leadership, Negotiation, and Gender for Model United Nations Simulations. International Studies Perspectives, 25(2), 246–264. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.pdx.edu/10.1093/isp/ekad011