Negotiations that Transformed the 20th Century

Students will explore the historical context, actions of participants, and global consequences of six transformative 20th century negotiations: (1) WWI Versailles Peace Conference, 1919, (2) Munich accord, 1938, (3) U.S.-Japan pre-Pearl Harbor negotiations, 1941, (4) Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962, (5) Vietnam War negotiations, 1969-73, and (6) the Egypt-Israel Camp David Accord, 1978. Besides their historical significance, the six cases provide informative examples of different types of diplomacy: multilateral negotiation, appeasement vs. deterrence, cross-cultural communication, bargaining in a nuclear crisis, inter-ally negotiations, and high-level mediation. We will read historical accounts and participant memoirs, and listen to recordings of participant discussions.