Greer explains what the U.S. tells countries who want to negotiate

In the context of international diplomacy, when the U.S. engages with other countries looking to negotiate, the approach often involves a mix of strategic messaging, both direct and indirect. Essentially, the U.S. tells countries that they must comply with specific norms, terms, and conditions that align with American foreign policy goals, values, and interests. Here’s a rough breakdown of what that typically looks like:

Clear Conditions: The U.S. often sets out clear preconditions for negotiation. For instance, countries might be asked to stop certain activities (like nuclear development or human rights violations) or commit to certain reforms before talks can begin. These conditions are intended to make sure that the negotiations are in line with U.S. policy objectives.

Emphasis on Compliance with International Standards: The U.S. frequently stresses the importance of adhering to international norms, such as human rights standards, the rule of law, and trade regulations. This is often framed as not just a matter of diplomacy but a broader issue of global security and stability.

Carrot and Stick: The U.S. uses a combination of incentives and pressures to motivate negotiations. This could mean offering aid, access to markets, or security partnerships (the carrot), or it could involve sanctions, military pressure, or diplomatic isolation (the stick).

Dialogue with Allies: The U.S. will often make sure it is in close consultation with its allies before entering negotiations, especially when the issue at hand is of significant global importance. This ensures that the U.S. isn’t going it alone and that the negotiation terms reflect broader international consensus.

Geopolitical Context: In negotiations with certain countries, the U.S. makes it clear that the negotiations are part of a broader geopolitical context. For example, when dealing with a country like China or Russia, the U.S. might signal that the negotiation is about more than just bilateral relations—it’s about managing larger regional or global balances of power.

Commitment to Long-term Peace and Stability: In any negotiation, the U.S. stresses that the ultimate goal is a long-term resolution that ensures peace, stability, and prosperity for all involved, sometimes positioning itself as a peace broker, depending on the situation.

These points, while generally applicable, can vary based on the specific context of the negotiations and the nature of the country or issue involved. Would you be thinking of a specific diplomatic situation or country in this context?