Managing Equivocality and Relational Paradox in the Oslo Peace Negotiations

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to more clearly understand the role of equivocality in the conflict and negotiation setting. 7b accomplish this goal, Relational Order Theory was described and used to plot communication strategies of intermediaries in the 1992-1993 Oslo peace negotiations between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Israelis. The analysis discovered that parties, including the intermediaries, constructed their relational parameters slowly to move them away from a position of isolationist peace to a position of unconditional peace in which they were able to forge an agreement. Several lessons about Relational Order Theory, equivocality, and managing disputes are also discussed in concluding this article.