Professor Robert Bordone, Harvard Law School, “Getting Beyond Gridlock: What Politicians Can Learn From Negotiation Experts

The Public Affairs Office organized a Distinguished American Speaker program at Deputy Chief of Mission William Grant’s residence with Prof. Robert Bordone, Founding Director of the Negotiation and Mediation Clinic at Harvard’s Law School on the topic: “Getting Beyond Gridlock: What Politicians Can Learn From Negotiation Experts.” For over 4 years, the Embassy has partnered with Harvard to implement a very successful negotiation skills program for high school students and young leaders.  The audience of 40 included Israeli officials who have conducted Israel’s peace negotiations with her neighbors, professors and students of law, conflict resolution, and negotiation, and practitioners who work with Palestinian counterparts on a regular basis.  During the lively question and answer period, Professor Bordone stressed that the successful outcome of negotiations is greatly enhanced when they are conducted far from the 24/7 media spotlight.