The topic is in details Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The topic is in details - Essay Example During disputes, each party has specific needs and wants. Conflict ensues because both differing parties do not agree about whose wants and needs takes precedence over the others’. Negotiation strives to create an environment where prioritization of interests can be achieved. In case prioritization fails, negotiation will help conflicting parties reach an agreement through balanced compromise of their respective interests. According to Smith (2000), such balanced compromise of interests creates fairness. However, conflicting parties may fail to agree because both sides may hold substantially different understanding and perspectives of fairness. An example of such a situation is seen in the ancient Melian-Athens conflict features in the Melian Dialogue by Thucydides. Prior to engaging in any negotiation or in understanding why two conflicting parties are engaging in a negotiation, it is appropriate to appraise the causative aspects of an underlying conflict. In addition, it is advisable to acknowledge the social, political and economic context in which conflicts and subsequent negotiations are taking place. Melian Dialogue by Thucydides covers events surrounding tribal conflicts in ancient Greece. Despite being a single empire, Greece was divided along its ethnic lines. Buckley (2010) said that there were two major divisions, the Athenians deriving its roots from the Ionians and the Spartans from the Dorian heritage. Sparta adopted an oligarchic political structure characterized by a few wealthy members of the society commanding and ruling the rest of the citizens. On the contrary, Athens was democratic and the wealthiest nation in Greece. In this case, both parties held contrary political, economic and social opinions which lead to growing tens ion between them. Sparta had allies, including Melos while Athens also had its allies. Increasing tension sparked a 10-year conflict marking the first phase of Peloponnesian war between Sparta and its allies