If Not Never, When? Negotiations between Governments and Terrorists

Current US policy states that the government will not negotiate with terrorists. However, if a state will not negotiate with terrorists, how will a conflict end? This study analyzes three case studies involving governments that negotiated with a terrorist organization. Examining negotiations between England and the Irish Republican Army, Spain and Euskadi ta Askatasuna, and Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, the study provides valuable insight into certain common factors underlying the decision to negotiate. Comparing the government's objectives; effectiveness of policies; and, political support, in addition to, the terrorist's objectives; the military and political strength of the terrorist organization; level of support; and, the level of violence, provides a contextual foundation for the study. Analyzing these factors' influence on facilitating negotiations and their potential outcome offers the reader insight into when future negotiations are more likely. In each case study, an individual factor's influence varied.