Recognizing the existence of differing interests and aspirations is the starting point for any negotiation. In , negotiations unfold in a context shaped by what is often described as “below-threshold warfare”, linked to competition over natural resource wealth. In this context, it is essential that the State and all actors involved include Indigenous Peoples in decision-making. On the one hand, to ensure that national security is not used to justify undermining their rights. On the other, because Indigenous organizations can offer more appropriate solutions grounded in their knowledge of the land.
Among the many different negotiation tactics, there is one about ensuring that everyone at the negotiation table walks away with what is valuable to them. This kind of thinking becomes effective when you understand what is valuable to the other parties, and the relative value you assign to each of them. Sometimes what is important for others is not important to you, so it is easy to give it to them, and the opposite can also be true. You are not trying to take away from the other side in a negotiation; you are trying to ensure that everyone leaves the table feeling they have taken something of importance from the table. It is a difficult exercise and requires research into the goals of those who are at the table.