TED Conflict Negotiation

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker recounts a Middle Eastern parable about three brothers and their inheritance of 17 camels, which leads to a negotiation impasse. The story illustrates the importance of finding an '18th camel' to resolve conflicts. The speaker emphasizes the role of the 'third side' in conflicts, representing the community that can mediate and facilitate resolution. Drawing from personal experiences in global conflict zones, the speaker introduces the concept of the 'Abraham Path,' a walking route that retraces the steps of Abraham to promote unity, hospitality, and economic opportunity, offering a transformative approach to longstanding disputes like the Middle East conflict.

Takeaways

• 🐫 The story of a man leaving 17 camels to his three sons, with fractions that don't divide evenly, illustrates the complexity of certain negotiations and the need for creative solutions.
• 👵 A wise old woman's suggestion to add her camel to make a total of 18 camels, allowing for fair distribution, highlights the importance of fresh perspectives in resolving conflicts.
• 🌐 The speaker's life passion is finding '18th camels' in global conflicts, emphasizing the potential for unity and reconciliation among diverse groups.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The concept of the 'third side' in conflicts, representing the surrounding community, is introduced as a key factor in mediating and resolving disputes.
• 🇸🇦 A personal experience in South Africa shows how the 'third side' can remind parties of the stakes and encourage dialogue over fighting.
• 🔍 The speaker's work in various global conflicts, including Yugoslavia, the Middle East, and Venezuela, underscores the universal need for constructive third-party involvement.
• 📚 The story of Abraham, as a symbol of unity and hospitality, is presented as a potential 'third side' narrative to counteract religious intolerance and terrorism.
• 🚶 The 'Abraham Path' initiative, retracing Abraham's steps across the Middle East, is described as a practical way to promote peace and understanding through walking tours.
• 🌱 The potential economic benefits of the Abraham Path for local communities, such as increased tourism and support for impoverished families, are highlighted.
• 🌳 The speaker concludes with an optimistic vision for peace, suggesting that by engaging as the 'third side,' individuals can contribute to global harmony and conflict resolution.

Q & A

What is the story of the 17 camels and how does it relate to negotiation?

The story of the 17 camels involves a father who leaves his three sons with a will that cannot be evenly divided: half, a third, and a ninth of the 17 camels. The sons struggle to divide the camels until a wise old woman suggests adding her own camel to make 18, allowing each son to take their share (9, 6, and 2) and leaving one camel to give back to the woman. This story illustrates the concept of finding a creative solution to a negotiation that initially seems impossible.

What is the '18th camel' in the context of the speech?

The '18th camel' is a metaphor for an innovative solution or a new perspective that can resolve a conflict or negotiation that initially seems intractable. It represents the fresh approach or additional resource that can transform a deadlocked situation into one with a win-win outcome.

How does the speaker define the 'third side' in conflicts?

The 'third side' refers to the surrounding community, friends, allies, family members, and neighbors who are not directly involved in the conflict but can play a constructive role in resolving it. This side helps remind the conflicting parties of the bigger picture and encourages dialogue and reconciliation.

What is the significance of the story of Abraham in the context of the Middle East conflict?

Abraham is considered a unifying figure in the Middle East, as he is revered by multiple religions and cultures. His story symbolizes unity, respect, and hospitality towards strangers, which can serve as an antidote to the region's conflicts. The speaker suggests that embracing Abraham's values could be a step towards peace.

What is the 'Abraham Path' mentioned in the script?

The 'Abraham Path' is a walking route that retraces the footsteps of Abraham across the Middle East. It aims to promote peace, understanding, and economic development by encouraging people to walk through the region, experience the local hospitality, and learn about the shared cultural heritage.

How does the speaker suggest the 'Abraham Path' can contribute to peace in the Middle East?

The speaker proposes that the 'Abraham Path' can serve as a unifying force by promoting tourism, economic opportunities, and cultural exchange. It encourages people to walk in Abraham's footsteps, fostering a sense of shared identity and mutual respect, which can help counteract hostility and terrorism.

What is the role of the third side in the speaker's experience with negotiations?

In the speaker's experience, the third side plays a crucial role in facilitating negotiations by helping parties maintain perspective, encouraging open dialogue, and reminding them of the stakes involved. It serves as a constructive force that can guide the negotiation back on track when tempers flare or disagreements arise.

Why does the speaker believe that every conflict can be transformed?

The speaker believes that every conflict can be transformed because they have witnessed the potential for change in various difficult and intractable conflicts around the world. They emphasize the power of the third side to influence outcomes positively and the importance of collective action in resolving disputes.

What is the significance of the oak tree metaphor used by the speaker?

The oak tree metaphor signifies the potential growth and strength of the 'Abraham Path' initiative. Just as an acorn represents the early stages of an oak tree, the 'Abraham Path' is in its nascent phase but has the potential to grow into a powerful force for peace and unity in the Middle East.

How does the speaker encourage the audience to take the third side?

The speaker encourages the audience to take the third side by suggesting small acts of kindness and understanding towards those who are different from them. They propose engaging in conversation, listening to others' perspectives, and participating in activities like the 'Abraham Path' to promote peace and unity.