The Athenian Negotiation Dialogue

Negotiation is perhaps the most flexible form of dispute resolution in modern times. However, it cannot be assured that it will always reach a positive conclusion. The negotiation dialogue in between the powerful Athenians and weak Melians is one such example. Melians were concerned with fairness, justice, impartiality, and honor. They were quite idealistic and proved to be uncompromising on that principle. On the other hand, Athenians were apprehensive towards the Melian’s reservations. They were concerned with their own security and interests, and felt reasonable in their engagements because it was the right of a strong nation to rule.

Athenians wanted to complete their domination by capturing the only remaining island not yet under their
The representatives were taken away to speak directly with the Melian officials and other powerful men of the island in private. Athenians were declined of being given an audience in front of the people of Melos. This act by the Melians negated any interaction with the people of Melos. It left a big chunk of an interested party out of the negotiation dialogue and their consultation was disregarded. It also undermined the expectation of Athenians and their apprehension towards the island grew more. Although agreed by the Athenians, they said that the Melians feared their arguments would be persuasive and would sway the public opinion in their favor. This move made the already existing environment more unfavorable for any future deal. It negates the prospect of any good coming out of the talks which as a result, put both sides in a face to face confrontation. It created an environment of wariness and suspicion amongst which a negotiation dialogue was unable to propagate. If the environment is not right, then the chances of reaching a satisfactory agreement is greatly
The immediate nature of the crisis also deprived them to formulate a measured response for the negotiations. The time elapsed between the dialogue and invasion was short, therefore no draft proposals or consultations were performed. If the stronger side had approached the weak adversary in a less aggressive manner, perhaps Melians would be open to some other alternative