Publications

The underpinning research for this project evaluated how negotiation deadlocks in international negotiations, especially those within the UNFCCC, can be overcome and how the ambition of negotiation outputs can be increased (Rietig, 2019).

Key elements that enable more effective negotiation outcomes are skilled and dedicated individuals who facilitate and support mutual learning. These can be state or non-state actors (Rietig 2014b, Rietig 2016) such as members of the UNFCCC secretariat (co-)chairing negotiation sessions and drafting negotiation text, as well as academics and representatives of non-governmental organisations providing input to negotiators.

The set-up of the negotiations is particularly important as it can provide framework conditions for positive group pressure on countries to step up their climate action ambitions (Rietig 2014a, Nachmany et al. 2014) and re-focus their attention on finding creative solutions while setting aside entrenched official positions in e.g. workshop settings.