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  • © 2019

Focal Points in Negotiation

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Offers the first sustained discussion of the application of focal points in negotiations

  • Combines theoretical analyses of focal points with case studies

  • Covers a broad range of uses of issue and solution salience in international relations

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Table of contents (9 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xvii
  2. Introduction: The Significance of Conspicuity

    • Rudolf Schuessler, Jan-Willem van der Rijt
    Pages 1-14
  3. Focal Points and Salient Solutions

    • Jonas Brown, I. William Zartman
    Pages 77-101
  4. Focal Points in Arms Control

    • Mikhail Troitskiy
    Pages 103-123
  5. CTBT Negotiations and the Split-the-Difference Principle

    • Mordechai Melamud, Rudolf Schuessler
    Pages 125-148
  6. Negotiating Peace Agreements: The Value of Focal and Turning Points

    • Valerie Rosoux, Daniel Druckman
    Pages 149-173
  7. Conclusion: Lessons for Theory and Practice

    • Rudolf Schuessler, Jan-Willem van der Rijt
    Pages 203-219
  8. Back Matter

    Pages 221-232

About this book

Focal Points in Negotiation is the first work of its kind to analyze the use of focal points beyond the controlled setting of the laboratory or the stylized context of mathematical game theory, in the real world of negotiation. It demonstrates that there are many more ways focal points influence real life situations than the specific, predetermined roles ascribed to them by game theory and rational choice. The book establishes this by identifying the numerous different, often decisive, modes in which focal points function in the various phases of complex negotiations. In doing so, it also demonstrates the necessity of a thorough understanding of focal points for mediators, negotiators, and others. A scholarly work in nature, Focal Points in Negotiation is also suitable for use in the classroom and accessible for a multidisciplinary audience.

Editors and Affiliations

  • Department of Philosophy, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Bavaria, Germany

    Rudolf Schuessler

  • Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

    Jan-Willem van der Rijt

About the editors

Rudolf Schuessler is Professor of Ethics at the University of Bayreuth, Germany.


Jan-Willem van der Rijt is Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Practical Philosophy at Umeå University, Sweden.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access