The Carrot or the Stick: Classic Negotiation Tactics Explained for an MUN Delegate
Negotiation is at the heart of Model UN. Whether you’re persuading other delegates to support your resolution, collaborating on working papers, or trying to influence the outcome of a vote, the classic negotiation tactics of the 'carrot' and the 'stick' are essential to understand. But here's the twist: while both strategies are useful, MUN requires you to rely heavily on the 'carrot.' Let’s break down what that means.
What are the 'Carrot' and the 'Stick'?
The Carrot: This represents incentives, rewards, and promises of mutual benefit. It’s about creating positive outcomes and getting others on your side by offering something appealing. In MUN terms, this could be as simple as including another delegate’s clause in your resolution or supporting their ideas in exchange for their vote.
The Stick: This involves threats, punishments, or warnings to get the other party to agree with you. It’s more about using pressure or consequences to achieve your goals. In the real world, this could look like sanctions, embargoes, or other forms of coercion. In MUN, however, it’s not nearly as practical—or diplomatic.
Why MUN Leans on the Carrot
MUN is about consensus-building: The focus in Model UN is on collaboration and finding common ground. Delegates aim to build alliances and gain widespread support. The 'stick' doesn’t align well with this approach, as it risks alienating other delegates.
You need votes: Your success in MUN depends on getting others to vote for your resolution or proposal. Since votes are the currency of success, you must persuade others to genuinely support your ideas, making the carrot far more useful.
Sticks don’t create long-term allies: Threats and coercion might get short-term compliance but rarely result in lasting partnerships. In MUN, you’ll want to form relationships that endure across topics, committees, and conferences. Using the carrot to create goodwill will make others more likely to back you again in the future.
How to Use the Carrot Effectively in MUN
Offer Mutual Benefit: Focus on finding win-win scenarios. For instance, if another delegate proposes an amendment that aligns partially with your stance, consider incorporating it and presenting it as a joint effort. Highlight how it benefits both of your countries, not just yours.
Highlight Shared Goals: Identify shared goals or interests and emphasize them in your negotiations. If two blocs have overlapping priorities, underscore how working together can achieve more than acting separately.
Use Flattery and Appreciation: Expressing appreciation for another delegate’s ideas, strategies, or contributions can go a long way. Praising their research or emphasizing how their ideas enhance the resolution can make them more inclined to support you.
Provide Concessions Strategically: Sometimes, giving a little can help you gain a lot. This could mean allowing a minor clause to be added that doesn’t impact your core goals, but earns significant goodwill.
But What About the Stick?
While the 'stick' is less prominent in MUN, it’s not entirely irrelevant. Sometimes you’ll need to push back on proposals that directly conflict with your country’s position. Here’s how to use it effectively without undermining your diplomacy:
Be Firm, Not Hostile: Make it clear when something is non-negotiable, but do so respectfully. For example, "My delegation cannot support this proposal in its current form because it undermines national sovereignty" sets a boundary without threatening other delegates.
Leverage Procedural Power: If you’re a chair or leading a bloc, you can use procedural strategies to slow down or redirect debate. This is a form of the 'stick,' but it’s less confrontational and more about guiding the discussion.
Frame the Consequence, Not the Threat: If you must resort to consequences, frame them diplomatically. Instead of “If you don’t support this, we’ll oppose your resolution,” try, “Our delegation would find it challenging to back other initiatives if this vital point isn’t addressed.”
Finding Balance
In the end, effective MUN delegates balance the carrot and the stick, but they lean heavily on the carrot. MUN is about building bridges, not burning them, and using the carrot allows you to create lasting relationships and mutual success. Remember, it’s not just about getting your way—it’s about guiding the committee toward a solution everyone can support.
So, the next time you’re debating a clause, think about which carrot you can offer and save the stick for when all else fails.
