From 1600 Disagreements to None. A behind-the-scene analysis of the COP 21 multilateral negotiation process

In spite of a strict decision-making rule (consensus amongst 195 States) and an opening draft packed with disagreements (over 1,600), the COP 21 multilateral negotiation was successfully concluded on 12 December 2015. The purpose of this paper is to analyse which process strategies and tactical choices helped achieve such a consensus. The author has conducted face-to-face and extensive interviews (n=14) with chief negotiators involved in the COP 21 process – including the Conference Chair himself. This qualitative approach, bridging theory and practice, analyses concrete examples related to trust-building and procedural justice in international negotiations.