What role do diplomacy and negotiations play in economic globalization? Many argue that great powers shape diplomacy to their advantage, others that, in a 'flat world', diplomacy helps everyone. Going beyond these polarized views, this book explores the conditions under which negotiations matter and the ways in which diplomacy is evolving in the global commercial arena. J. P. Singh argues that where there is a diffusion or decentralization of power among global actors, diplomacy can be effective in allowing the adjustment of positions so that mutual gains will result. In contrast, when there is a concentration of power, outcomes tend to benefit the strong. There will be little alteration in perception of interest, and coercion by strong powers is common. Singh's book suggests that there are possibilities for transformational problem-solving through multilateral diplomacy. Empirically, the book examines the most important information-age trade issues.

‘J. P. Singh offers a portable analytic framework for analyzing negotiations, and makes a persuasive case for the conditions under which the negotiation process itself is likely to have a decisive impact. Scholars and students of global governance will find this systematic, lucid, and thoughtful book to be illuminating and well worth reading. The empirical work is particularly masterful and original.’

Susan K. Sell - George Washington University

‘Meticulous analysis and a compelling argument makes Negotiation and the Global Information Economy a substantial contribution to our understanding of international negotiations and their role in global governance. The research is comprehensive and the coverage impressive. This is excellent scholarship and sure to become a benchmark in the field.’

Rorden Wilkinson - University of Manchester

‘J. P. Singh has carried negotiation analysis into the outer space of globalization and IT. This book will not only help us understand possible trajectories through that newly opened space but will help those who navigate it do so in ways that avoid accidents and turn conflicts into positive-sum outcomes.’

William Zartman - Johns Hopkins University