Justice and Fairness in International Negotiation: 74 (Cambridge Studies in International Relations, Series Number 74) - Softcover

Albin, Cecilia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052179725X ISBN 13: 9780521797252

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997

Synopsis

International negotiations have become an increasingly widespread feature of international affairs, as the number of parties involved have grown, and regional and global fora have multiplied. Cecilia Albin examines the role of considerations of justice and fairness in these negotiations. She argues that negotiators do not simply pursue their narrow interests or those of their countries, but regularly take principles of justice and fairness into account. These principles come into play at an early stage, as talks are structured and agendas set; in the bargaining process itself; and in the implementation of and compliance with agreements. The analysis is based on cases in four important areas: the environment; international trade; ethnic conflict (the Israeli-Palestinian conflict); and arms control. Drawing on a mass of empirical data, including a large number of interviews, this book relates the abstract debate over international norms and ethics to the realities of international relations.

About this title

Review

"In this excellent addition to the Cambridge Studies in International Relations series, Cecilia Albin asks why and how notions of justice and fairness matter in international negotiations. Her goal is not to articulate or to test any particular theories of international justice, but instead to explore the contours of moral psychology. Hers is an empirical task, not a philosophical one....Albin's case studies are detailed, thorough, and richly informative, and they yield a number of fascinating insights....Albin's study represents an important corrective to two unfortunate tendencies: the tendency for empirical political scientists to ignore the role and importance of moral considerations in political behavior, and the tendency for normative political theorists to ignore the nuances and complexities of real-world moral judgments when attempting to articulate abstract principles." Political Science Quarterly

"Cecilia Albin's book strikes out in a novel direction by examining issues of justice and fairness in four sets of international negotiations...Albin's work provides the reader with a well-researched volume that supplies a structured analysis of a topic fraught with subjective evaluations of justice, fairness, right and wrong...[It] should be applauded for bringing these components of international negotiation more directly to the fore." International Affairs

"Justice and Fairness in International Negotiation breaks new ground. It is one of the few large-scale efforts to apply ethical criteria to important international phenomena and to do so empirically by using an articulated theoretical framework. Other scholars can profitably build on Albin's work. Her conceptualization is clear, her framework is comprehensive, and the importance of international ethics is further embedded in our collective consciousness." Perspectives on Politics

Book Description

Cecilia Albin argues that principles of justice and fairness play an important part in international negotiations. Her book draws on cases in four areas - the environment, international trade, ethnic conflict, and arms control - and relates the abstract debate over international ethics to the realities of international relations.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052179725X
• ISBN 13: 9780521797252
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 284