Negotiating strategies and tactics of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in the negotiations to form the ninth ministerial cabinet

Abstract

Assuming the importance of negotiation in political life, the political process, and the negotiating strategies and tactics in the framework of negotiations, this research, in addition to providing a theoretical summary of negotiating strategies and tactics, addresses the most prominent negotiation strategies and tactics employed by the two main parties in the Kurdistan region (the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union Kurdistan) in their negotiations on the formation of the Ninth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government. These negotiations were complicated, prolonged, and witnessed rounds and surprises. The parties used all their capabilities to implement strategic and, sometimes cooperative, approaches. However, the nature of the conflict was often about negotiating strategies and tactics and assisted by their (KDP and PUK) common historical connections and experience in negotiating with each other. On the other hand, the negotiations resulted from their need for joint action and their fear from becoming part of the opposition front. That was the consequence of their lack of mutual confidence and the fear of losing influence. All this led to not abiding by the timelines in the formation of the government and its formation delay, and consequently not caring for the democratic rules in this field.