Let's talk about preconditions

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Friday July 27, 2007 · 9:25 PM PDT

2007/07/27 · 21:25

Since some people didn't like my snark yesterday, let's have instead a serious talk about preconditions, without getting into "he said, she said." I suggest there are at least five types of preconditions for a meeting between heads of state or government. More beneath the fold.

(1) Procedural preconditions
Agreement on agenda, length of meeting, whether photographers and the press will be there, whether statements will be issued, etc.

(2) Prior discussion preconditions
Other representatives of the governments or countries have had serious contacts and discussion to have identified key areas for further exploration by the heads of state.

(3) Expected progress preconditions
Preliminary discussion by other representatives of the governments or countries have covered enough ground and reached enough agreement that there is expected progress (minor or major) in certain areas from a meeting between the heads of state.

(4) Seal the deal preconditions
Preliminary discussion by other representatives of the governments or countries have basically all but formalized some agreements, so that a meeting between heads of state will be used to complete the agreement and seal the deal.

(5) Policy change preconditions
Demands that the other side first either change their policies, practices, or rhetoric before a meeting will take place

It seems to me that different situations demand different ones of these. It really depends on the context. And I also believe there are downsides to scheduling meetings between heads of state or government when the appropriate preconditions haven't been met.

What do you think?

Poll
28 votes Show Results
What are the maximal preconditions you think are ever needed?

No preconditions are ever needed

Procedural preconditions

Prior discussion preconditions

Expected progress preconditions

Seal the deal preconditions

Any of the five in the appropriate context

28 votes Vote Now!
What are the maximal preconditions you think are ever needed?

No preconditions are ever needed

8 votes

Procedural preconditions

4%

1 vote

Prior discussion preconditions

4 votes

Expected progress preconditions

4%

1 vote

Seal the deal preconditions

7%

2 votes

Any of the five in the appropriate context

12 votes

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