Thirteen Days Missile Crisis
The conflict between the US and the USSR, which lasted 13 days, was probably one of the most important negotiations in the world’s history. The conflict arose after the US had found out that the USSR had placed missiles in Cuba. Moreover, Soviets were creating a large naval shipyard and a base for submarines in Cuba as well. These missiles put the whole America in danger, because in case of them being fired, 80 million of American citizens would die within five minutes. Needless to say, that there was a huge threat of unleashing a nuclear conflict which would lead to 3rd world war. The USSR in its turn boldly denied the placement of any offensive missiles for quit a while. Later, however, the Soviet Union started to convince the States that the missiles were placed there just for the self-defensive purposes of Cuba and that there was no risk for America. Dishonest attitude and silence of Soviets and temporary confusion about the plan of action for the States could have easily result a nuclear war. Despite the lack of communication and information exchange between the Soviet Union and the States, and even under huge stress and pressure, within a short period of time due to wise and thoughtful approach of American leaders the conflict was settled and negotiation had been established
Elements of Principled Negotiation
The US committee did a good job focusing on the elements of principled negotiation during the missile crisis. Right away, they managed to identify country’s interests – to avoid the beginning of the Third World War and destruction of America in a first place, and possibly the whole humanity. There were several options created that could have resolve the conflict. At the beginning of the conflict, the majority of the country leaders and officers of highest authority proposed that “an air strike against the missile sites could be the only course” (Kennedy, 1999). Senator Capehart, General Le May and former secretary...