Security negotiation strategy (theoretical study)

Introduction

Negotiation is considered one of the most prominent peaceful means for resolving conflicts and achieving stability. Its concepts and methods have evolved to keep pace with the complexities of contemporary crises, especially those related to national and regional security. In light of the increasing armed conflicts, the growing threats from non-state armed groups, and external interventions, security negotiation has become an indispensable strategic option for crisis management and restoring security.

The strategy of security negotiation is not limited to exchanging views between conflicting parties; rather, it represents a comprehensive framework that includes planning, setting objectives, selecting appropriate mechanisms, and assessing risks and opportunities within a disturbed and unstable negotiating environment. This strategy also requires a deep understanding of the dynamics of conflict, power balances, and the nature of the actors involved, whether formal or informal.

Thus, this research aims to highlight the nature of the security negotiation strategy, review its essential stages, analyze the mechanisms and strategies employed in this type of negotiation, and identify the primary challenges that hinder its success while benefiting from relevant international and regional experiences. The study also seeks to provide practical recommendations that contribute to developing the capabilities of security and political actors in this field.

First: Research Definition

Security negotiation is one of the most complex types of negotiation, as it is used to deal with security crises such as hostage situations, terrorist threats, and armed conflicts. It relies on well-studied strategies aimed at minimizing risks and ensuring the best outcomes with the least possible losses. Security negotiation requires high psychological and analytical skills to understand the intentions of the other party and to deal with their positions with flexibility and wisdom. Additionally, effective coordination between negotiators and security entities is essential to achieving the desired goals. Focusing on the core interests of each side, rather than on winning or losing, is likely to lead to more effective results and may create opportunities to innovate options that serve the interests of both sides and expedite the negotiation process.

Second: Importance of the Research

Security negotiation is essential for preventing escalation and maintaining peace, protecting national interests, and managing crises by supporting political and social stability through building trust among conflicting parties. It also enhances international cooperation to confront common threats, such as organized crime and cyberattacks.

Third: Research Problem

When conflicting parties are obstinate and refuse to make concessions, it leads to a breakdown of trust between negotiating entities, hindering the achievement of solutions. Furthermore, if external parties with conflicting interests intervene, it can complicate matters and affect the negotiation process. Additionally, weak intelligence or a lack of readiness may lead to inaccurate decisions that negatively impact the negotiation process and the desired outcomes. In light of this, several questions regarding the problem can be addressed in the body of the research, including:

1. What is the relationship between the negotiating parties in the success or failure of negotiations?
2. How important is preparation and planning for security negotiations?
3. Are there specific negotiation strategies chosen for each crisis?

Fourth: Research Hypothesis

The success of security negotiation strategies depends on the accuracy of intelligence information, as well as the balance of security interests among the negotiating parties through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Fifth: Research Methodology

The descriptive analytical method was employed to describe and analyze security negotiation processes and the procedures that should be followed during negotiations.

Sixth: Structure of the Research

The research is divided into an introduction, two main sections, and a conclusion. The first section addresses the nature of the security negotiation strategy, while the second section is dedicated to the stages of the security negotiation strategy.

Section One: The Nature of the Security Negotiation Strategy

Negotiation is no longer just a matter of expertise and practice based on the individual skills of negotiators; it has become a science with its own principles, rules, and strategies. It means a systematic process of planning and execution aimed at achieving specific security goals through dialogue and understanding among the concerned parties. This strategy relies on risk analysis and understanding the interests of other parties while focusing on building trust and reducing tensions to reach agreements that enhance security and stability without compromising vital interests.

Thus, negotiation is one of the mental tools granted to humans by God Almighty, distinguishing them from all other creatures on Earth for the purpose of communicating and fulfilling their needs, desires, and intentions with other people.

Subsection One: Definition of Strategic Negotiation

The term "negotiation" is linguistically derived from the roots "fawda" and "fayd," meaning transformation and response. It is said, "fawda ilayhi al-amr: sayyarahu ilayh, waja'alahu al-hakim fihi," which refers to the ability to impose one's will on another party, compelling them to act in a certain way or to refrain from doing so [1, p. 210]. It also implies a sense of mixing and partnership, referring to the mutual desire of negotiating parties to resolve a dispute [18, p. 38]. In this context, negotiation refers to the process of exchanging opinions and ideas between two or more parties to reach an agreement or compromise that satisfies both sides.

The technical definition describes negotiation as: "a process that focuses on interests rather than positions, seeking innovative solutions that benefit all parties instead of leading to conflict [10, p. 12]". This signifies an interactive process among two or more parties who aim to achieve an agreement on a common or disputed issue or interest.

Negotiation is also defined as "a social, psychological, and logical process reliant on interaction, psychological influence, persuasion, and urging through dialogue and the exchange of purposeful viewpoints between two or more parties with differing opinions and goals that each seeks to achieve. This may relate to a case, dispute, or transaction of a specific issue that both parties have interests in, aiming to reach a solution or agreement acceptable and satisfactory to all parties [4, p. 35]".

Moreover, negotiation is defined as "communication between two or more parties aimed at organizing relationships, specifying rights and obligations, or resolving disputes and disagreements arising from differing opinions or conflicting interests [3, p. 11]".

Strategic Negotiation

Strategic negotiation is defined as a process of planning and executing negotiations in a studied and precise manner to achieve specific goals, while taking into account the mutual interests and long-term relationships between the parties involved. It relies on careful analysis, a deep understanding of the objectives and interests of other parties, and the use of effective strategies to reach an agreement that satisfies the interests of all parties [11, p. 78].

From the previous definitions, it is clear that negotiation occurs between two or more parties and that there must be a disagreement or conflicting interests among these parties. This negotiation can lead to understanding and mutual consent until the dispute is resolved. Hence, it can be said that negotiation is a means of resolving conflicts peacefully through discussion and understanding among the parties [5, p. 21].

Subsection Two: Elements, Characteristics, and Types of Strategic Negotiation

Effective negotiation relies on several essential elements, characteristics, and types [28, p. 39], which are as follows:

1. Elements of Negotiation: Negotiation is a dynamic situation based on movement and action, including positive and negative reactions or influences. It is a flexible process that requires immense abilities to rapidly and continuously adapt and fully coordinate with the surrounding variables of the negotiation process [16]. Essential elements must be present in every negotiation situation, including:

Participating Parties: These are the individuals, groups, or organizations involved in the negotiation process. For parties to negotiate on a specific issue, certain characteristics must exist, including:

• There must be recognized mutual relationships among the parties.
• The parties should agree that a dispute or conflict exists and that it is negotiable.
• Each party is responsible for acknowledging that the other party is a legitimate partner in the negotiations [6, p. 32].

Interests and Goals: Interests are the underlying motivations behind the positions of the parties, while goals are the specific outcomes that each party seeks to achieve.

• Positions, Proposals, and Alternatives: Positions are the public expressions of what each party wants, while proposals are the suggested solutions to reach an agreement. Alternatives are the other available solutions if the negotiation fails.
• Will and Desire to Negotiate: Negotiation is not imposed on conflicting parties; this necessarily means that the negotiation process must stem from the genuine will of the negotiators and their determination to move beyond the issue at hand. A complete willingness among the negotiating parties to reach solutions that satisfy all parties is crucial, as it helps prevent the emergence of new issues that arise for discussion and conflict in the future.
• Agreement or Outcome: This is the final result of the negotiation, which can be a formal agreement or a compromise that satisfies all parties.

2. Characteristics of Negotiation: Negotiation situations are characterized by several features, which include [7]:

• Communication and Exchange: The ability to listen well and express interests and needs clearly helps reduce misunderstandings and facilitates reaching common solutions.
• Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing situations and respond to suggestions from the other party.
• Good Preparation: Good preparation includes understanding the interests of the other party and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses by gathering and analyzing as much information as possible before negotiating.
• Focus on Interests, Not Positions: Successful negotiation focuses on the underlying interests behind positions rather than adhering rigidly to fixed positions.
• Mutual Respect: Interacting respectfully with the other party, even in the face of disagreements, enhances trust and facilitates reaching an agreement.
• Creativity in Problem Solving: Seeking innovative solutions that meet the interests of all parties instead of concentrating on traditional options.

3. Types of Negotiation: The choice of the appropriate type of negotiation depends on the goals, the relationship between the parties, and the available resources. Therefore, there are several types of negotiations, including:

• Competitive Negotiation: Focuses on achieving the maximum gains for one party at the expense of the other party.
• Collaborative Negotiation: Focuses on finding common solutions that benefit all parties.
• Compromise Negotiation: Involves concessions from all parties to reach a middle ground.
• Adaptive Negotiation: One party concedes some of its interests to satisfy the other party.
• Power-Based Negotiation: Negotiators with greater authority leverage their advantage to assert their interests. Power may come from various sources, such as position, experience, or access to resources.

Fig. Source: Jean Seminar Dougherty, Previous Source, p. 23.

Section Three: Mechanisms and Strategies for Security Negotiation in Conflict Environments

First: Mechanisms for Security Negotiation:

1. Mediation and Facilitation: Mediation is utilized as a mechanism to bring conflicting parties to the negotiation table with the help of a neutral third party who aims to bridge differing viewpoints and facilitate communication. Effective mediation requires high communication skills and a precise understanding of the cultures of the involved parties. According to the Berghof Foundation, “mediation requires neutrality and the ability to understand the political and security cultures of the conflict parties [22].”
2. Building Trust: Building trust among conflicting parties is essential for successful negotiation. This can be achieved through the implementation of tangible measures such as information exchange, the release of detainees, and temporary ceasefires. The Berghof Foundation highlights that “trust-building steps are the true groundwork for any successful security agreement and form the foundation for ensuring party commitments [22].”
3. Security Guarantees: Providing mutual security guarantees can alleviate the concerns of the parties and enhance the chances of reaching a sustainable agreement. These guarantees may include the deployment of peacekeeping forces, the establishment of demilitarized zones, or the provision of international guarantees. The Berghof Foundation notes that “the absence of these guarantees often leads to the collapse of security agreements.”

Second: Negotiation Strategies in Conflict Environments

1. Integrative Negotiation: This strategy aims to achieve shared gains for all parties by focusing on common interests rather than rigid positions. A study published in "SSRN" indicates that “this type of negotiation enhances the chances of reaching sustainable solutions and reduces the likelihood of conflict re-eruption [25].”
2. Crisis Management: In cases of intense conflict, strategies are employed to manage escalation and mitigate worsening situations, such as imposing arms embargoes, establishing no-fly zones, or implementing targeted sanctions. Security literature indicates that “crisis management paves the way for more stable negotiation [22, p. 10].”
3. Indirect Negotiation: When direct communication is impossible or undesirable, negotiators resort to mediation or backchannel methods to maintain the confidentiality of negotiations and reduce media pressure. This approach has proven effective in cases such as the U.S.-Taliban negotiations in Doha.
4. Settlement Strategy: The negotiating parties make certain concessions until a bilateral settlement or compromise is reached, where one party gains a little or loses a little. This strategy is resorted to when a state is unable to achieve its objectives through escalating the crisis or in the presence of internal or external variables that make the continuation of escalation undesirable [29, p. 25].

Third: Challenges of Security Negotiation in Conflict Environments

1. Power Imbalance: Significant disparities in military or economic capabilities between parties can hinder the achievement of a fair agreement. “This imbalance often leads to the stronger party's intransigence and its pursuit of imposing its terms rather than engaging in equitable negotiations [20, p. 103]”.
2. Multiplicity of Parties and Conflicting Interests: The presence of multiple stakeholders with varying interests complicates the negotiation process and increases the difficulty of reaching consensus.
3. Lack of Trust and Previous Conflict History: Negative past experiences may hinder trust-building and slow the progress of negotiations. The Berghof Foundation indicates that “negative past experiences can impede trust-building and slow the progress of negotiations [22, p. 10].”

Requirement Two: Phases of Security Negotiation

Security negotiation is a vital tool in managing conflicts, maintaining peace, and achieving stability across social, political, economic, and security dimensions, especially in complex and tense environments. Therefore, security negotiation relies on sequential phases, using it as a diplomatic and operational tool to avoid military escalation or violence and to enhance cooperation among parties to achieve common security goals.

Section One: Adequate Preparation for the Negotiation Process

Preparing for security negotiations is a crucial process that requires careful planning and thorough preparation. This involves several key steps that help achieve effective and beneficial outcomes, as follows [13, p. 6]:

1. Define the Objectives of the Negotiation Process: These objectives should be characterized by clarity, flexibility, and realism.
2. Understanding Available Opportunities for the Negotiator: Knowing the available opportunities during the negotiation significantly influences the negotiating behavior.
3. Defining the Scope of Negotiation Topics: This includes determining whether the topics are well-defined or ambiguous, how the negotiation subject will be addressed, its relative importance, and the availability of data and information related to the negotiation topic, including sources and supporting documents.
4. Identifying the Elements of Negotiating Power: Recognizing the negotiating power of the negotiating parties and understanding the other party's awareness of their own power dynamics.
5. Negotiation Strategy and Alternative Strategies: Developing a negotiation strategy, alternative strategies, and alternative tactics that can be employed.
6. Essential Traits for Successful Negotiation: The negotiator should possess a set of qualities that facilitate success in the negotiation process, including intelligence, good presence, appropriate conduct, keen observation, organized and creative thinking, and the ability to act quickly.
7. Determining the Language of Negotiation: An important aspect during security crisis negotiations is determining the language to be used, especially if there are language differences between the negotiators. Each party may use its native language while employing appropriate interpreters to facilitate communication.
8. Choosing the Location of the Negotiation: The negotiation venue should be determined based on the negotiation circumstances. Negotiating within the home country or organization of one negotiating team can create a sense of relative superiority and support the team’s position while saving time and effort in traveling elsewhere. Conversely, negotiating outside the country's or organization's borders allows the negotiating team to temporarily withhold certain information or delay its disclosure under the pretext of unavailability, thereby gaining time or exerting psychological pressure on the other party.

Section Two: Analyzing the Security Environment

The process of evaluating the internal and external factors that affect security and stability in a particular community or state is essential. This analysis aims to understand the nature of potential threats, identify the influential actors in the security landscape, and take the necessary strategic measures to mitigate risks. Such analysis serves as the foundation for formulating effective security policies and enhancing the ability of states and institutions to face future challenges [24, p. 120-135]. This can be achieved through several elements, including:

1. Security Threats [26, p. 60-75]: Any event or circumstance that can cause harm to individuals, property, or systems. This includes terrorist attacks, cyber crimes, and natural disasters.
2. Vulnerabilities [23, p. 75-90]: These are the gaps or weaknesses that can be exploited by threats, such as a lack of surveillance systems in vital facilities, weak passwords in electronic systems, or the absence of effective emergency plans.
3. Strengths [21, p. 180-195]: These refer to the resources or capabilities that enhance the ability to confront threats, such as the presence of well-trained security forces, the use of advanced surveillance technology, and international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
4. Opportunities [27, p. 95-110]: Conditions or possibilities that can be leveraged to improve security, including technological advancements in cybersecurity, collaboration between countries to share intelligence, and increasing security awareness among citizens.

Section Three: Developing Security Strategies

Developing security strategies requires a deep understanding of the nature of the mission and the security context. This process is vital for protecting individuals, institutions, and communities from various threats and risks by establishing a comprehensive plan that outlines strategic objectives to address security threats, particularly organized crime. Organized crime is defined as: “the criminal phenomenon that is driven by organized groups that use violence as the basis for their criminal activities and seek profit. These groups may operate within the borders of a single state or engage in transnational criminal activities, and they may have relationships with counterpart organizations in other countries [20, p. 19].” Alternatively, it is described as: “a structurally and hierarchically organized group composed of professional criminals who are bound by mandatory rules. These are often professional organizations whose members do not conform to the traditional criminal model, using crime as a means to achieve profit and power [31, p. 65-67].”

Organized crime is perpetrated through various activities, which may include financial activities such as money laundering or drug trafficking, or activities affecting the safety of individuals, such as human trafficking, and so on. Some of the most common reasons for the spread of organized crime include [17]:

1. Weak Legal Systems: The inadequacy of legal frameworks in the country drives individuals to seek their rights through violence and illegal means.
2. Absence of Legislation: The lack of laws or the absence of legislative measures that ensure the imposition of restrictions on all activities that oversight agencies cannot access.
3. Collapse of Social and Educational Values: The deterioration of social norms and educational standards within communities leads to individual deviance and an increase in crime rates.
4. Widening Gap Between Social Classes: The practice of discrimination based on political, regional, ethnic, or sectarian lines exacerbates tensions.
5. Family Disintegration: The breakdown of family structures contributes to societal issues.
6. Administrative Corruption: Corruption within state institutions, such as bribery and extortion to facilitate business, deeply undermines law and order.
7. Non-integrated Minorities: Minorities that do not belong to mainstream communities may resort to foreign aid, often sourced from organized criminal groups as a means of infiltrating society to carry out their activities.
8. Formation of Regional Alliances and Removal of Borders: Many countries have adopted free trade policies (e.g., "let it work, let it pass"), as seen in the European Union, and the removal of national borders has facilitated the movement of people and goods, making it easier for organized criminal groups to expand their activities to other countries.
9. Encouragement of Tourism: Criminal organizations have established travel agencies under the pretext of promoting tourism and investment. While superficially providing legitimate services, they covertly engage in activities promoting what is referred to as sexual tourism and the sexual exploitation of women and children, including child abductions and organ trafficking.
10. Investment in Poor Countries: Due to the lenient investment laws in developing countries, which are in desperate need of capital, organized crime finds a fertile ground to operate. Criminal organizations see a valuable opportunity to launder their illicit money stemming from illegal trade in these nations.
11. Wars and Ethnic or Religious Conflicts: In situations of conflict, especially among groups with ethnic, tribal, or religious affiliations, the warring parties resort to various legal and illegal means to pursue their objectives. They often adhere to the adage "the end justifies the means," relying on their resources to sustain their struggle.
12. Advancements in Communication and Information Technology: Modern communication technologies have made it easier for criminal groups to commit their acts without the risk of exposure. Additionally, these technologies allow them to manage and monitor their criminal operations remotely.

Section Four: Intelligence Negotiation (Opening Lines of Communication)

Intelligence negotiation is one of the effective tools in combatting organized crime, as it relies on the use of confidential sources, undercover agents, and persuasive dialogue techniques to infiltrate criminal networks, gather information, and even dismantle these organizations from within. This can be achieved through several methods, including:

1. Infiltrating Criminal Organizations: This involves persuading some members to cooperate in exchange for protection or reduced sentences. Additionally, “secret negotiations with elements of gangs can be a crucial entry point for obtaining proactive intelligence [19, p. 165].”

2. Neutralizing Key Leaders in Intelligence and Security Negotiations: Neutralizing the key leaders of criminal organizations is a strategic objective in combating organized crime, as it weakens them or removes them from the equation, leading to the dismantling of the criminal network or reducing its danger. This process often relies on a combination of incentives, legal pressures, psychological tactics, or secret agreements for them to surrender [19, p. 172]. Various methods for neutralizing leaders through negotiations include:

• Conditional Legal Offers (Plea Bargains): Providing reduced sentences or legal protection for leaders in exchange for their cooperation with security agencies. Secret deals with gang leaders facilitate acquiring critical information about the organizational structure and financial operations.
• Exploiting Internal Conflicts: Negotiating with secondary leaders to incite them against primary leaders, thereby weakening loyalty within the organization [8, p. 208].
• Economic Pressure: Utilizing intelligence to threaten leaders with freezing their assets or exposing their money laundering networks.
• Leveraging Personal Fears: Focusing on the leaders’ personal fears, such as the fear of assassination or loss of power, and convincing them that cooperation is the safest choice.

3. Preventing Violent Conflicts: Instead of armed confrontations, intelligence dialogue is preferred to avoid human casualties, thereby reducing the violence associated with arrest operations [9].

4. Dismantling Financial Networks: Negotiations can be used to access secret bank accounts or disrupt money laundering operations, contributing to freezing gang assets and facilitating the surrender process [8, p. 215].

In this way, intelligence negotiation is a covert weapon in the security agencies' war against organized crime, especially when direct confrontation is difficult. However, its success relies on precision and confidentiality.

Section Five: Managing Negotiation Time

Time management is a fundamental element that plays a vital role in the success of any negotiation process, especially in the context of security negotiations. In this field, where outcomes are linked to sensitive issues concerning security and stability, time becomes a critical factor that can significantly impact the results of negotiations. In many security negotiation situations, there may be time pressure due to fast-paced events or escalating tensions. This necessitates effective decision-making by negotiators, particularly during security crises (such as kidnappings or attacks), where time is crucial in avoiding escalation.

By establishing a clear timeline, negotiators can ensure that all important topics are covered without wasting time on unproductive discussions. Good organization helps maintain focus among the parties, reduces chaos, and facilitates effective communication. In the event of sudden crises or changes that require immediate response, good time management enables negotiators to adapt to these situations swiftly and effectively. After the negotiation process concludes, effective time management provides the opportunity for a comprehensive evaluation of the results. The parties can analyze what has been achieved within the allotted time and whether the initial objectives have been met. This assessment can be valuable for improving future strategies [15].

Thus, the strategy for security negotiation involves a set of principles and techniques aimed at achieving security objectives through dialogue and understanding. It begins by clearly defining the goals, whether related to conflict resolution or enhancing cooperation among the parties involved. Building trust among the parties is essential, as it facilitates the negotiation process and increases the chances of reaching satisfactory solutions. Effective communication, including active listening, is necessary to understand the needs and concerns of the other party. Flexibility in making concessions is also important to maintain core security principles.

Additionally, it is crucial to analyze available alternatives and assess the potential consequences of each option. Achieving success in security negotiation requires following up on the implementation of signed agreements, thereby reinforcing stability and security in the long term.

Conclusion

Security negotiation represents a pivotal tool in crisis management and conflict resolution, particularly in unstable environments with multiple actors. This research has demonstrated that the strategy of security negotiation is not merely a mechanism for resolving disputes; rather, it is an integrated system of principles, mechanisms, and stages that require a precise understanding of the nature of conflict, power dynamics, and the surrounding social and political contexts.

The study has shown that the success of security negotiations relies on adopting flexible strategies, beginning with building trust and creating a stable negotiating environment. This includes selecting appropriate methods, such as direct or indirect negotiation, leading up to reaching agreements that are applicable and monitorable. Challenges facing this type of negotiation include imbalances of power, multiple negotiating parties, and the deeply rooted mistrust between involved parties.

Effective security negotiation requires not only political and technical skills but also a genuine willingness from the parties to achieve peace and the presence of a supportive international or local environment for this process. Thus, adopting a comprehensive strategy for security negotiation is a fundamental step toward building sustainable peace and achieving collective security, especially in countries experiencing chronic conflicts or severe communal disputes.

Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance the culture of security dialogue and to develop the capacities of national institutions to engage in successful negotiations, while benefiting from leading international experiences in this field.

Conclusions:

1. Security negotiation is a strategic tool essential for managing conflicts and achieving peace, particularly in environments facing armed conflicts or complex security crises.
2. The success of the security negotiation process does not depend solely on political will; it also requires building mutual trust, creating a stable negotiating environment, and involving all active stakeholders in the conflict.
3. The strategy for security negotiation consists of integrated phases that begin with preparation and planning, followed by direct or indirect negotiation, and concluding with the signing of agreements and mechanisms for their implementation and monitoring.
4. International experiences show that successful security negotiations often hinge on the presence of a neutral third party (mediator), realistic security guarantees, and confidence-building measures, which enhance the chances of achieving sustainable results.
5. Among the most prominent challenges facing security negotiation are imbalances of power, the presence of multiple armed or political actors, a lack of a clear vision for post-negotiation scenarios, and weak will among some parties.
6. Security negotiation in the local context of post-conflict countries presents an opportunity to rebuild institutions, strengthen the rule of law, and achieve social stability through political solutions that do not solely rely on military force.

Recommendations:

1. Enhance Negotiation Capacities: Improve the negotiation capabilities of security and political institutions through specialized training programs focused on negotiation skills, crisis management, and building trust among conflicting parties.
2. Develop Legal Frameworks: Create legal and regulatory frameworks governing security negotiation processes, emphasizing the involvement of neutral parties and ensuring transparency and follow-up in the implementation of agreements.
3. Learn from International Experiences: Utilize successful international experiences in security negotiation, adapting them to the national and social specifics of local conflicts, particularly in countries undergoing transitional phases or post-conflict scenarios.
4. Engage Civil Society: Involve civil society and local actors in security negotiation stages to enhance the legitimacy of agreements and ensure their sustainability on the ground, especially in socially divided environments.
5. Establish National Databases: Create national databases that include previous negotiation experiences, models of security agreements, and lessons learned from them, serving as a reference for future decision-makers and negotiators.
6. Strengthen Regional and International Coordination: Enhance coordination among regional and international actors in security negotiation files, emphasizing the importance of reducing negative interventions that may derail the negotiation process or lead it away from its objectives.
7. Focus on Building Trust: Emphasize building trust prior to the official negotiation through on-the-ground measures, such as temporary ceasefires, the release of detainees, and the exchange of security information.