Online published on 10 October, 2016.
The role of cognition and emotion in international negotiations has been largely ignored and is typically considered a psychological variable. It is however an important factor when looking at the processes of international negotiations and the case of the Simla Agreement between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the 1971 war alludes to this argument. Its perceived successes/failures are indicative of the role of cognition acting between the two sides during and after negotiations. Cognition and emotion are central to an individual's behaviour towards his environment and personal individual traits play a decisive role in shaping negotiating processes. This paper analyses literature based on exploratory methodology and highlights the psychological aspect underpinning the Simla Agreement. The data for research are mainly drawn from secondary sources including extant literature, newspaper articles and reports.
