What effect does negotiation have on escalated conflicts?

Negotiation plays a significant role in managing escalated conflicts by potentially resulting in a temporary calm while often failing to produce a complete resolution. This is often because, in the heat of conflict, parties may come to a compromise that offers a short-term solution, allowing them to pause the escalation and address the immediate issues. However, the underlying problems may still exist, leaving the possibility of future conflicts.

It's essential to note that while negotiation may bring a momentary truce by enabling parties to communicate and express their needs, deep-rooted issues often linger unaddressed. Thus, while it can alleviate tensions temporarily, true resolution usually requires more in-depth dialogue and possibly systemic changes.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that do not accurately reflect the role of negotiation in conflict resolution. Stating that negotiation can lead to the continuation of fighting overlooks the potential for temporary reductions in tension that can occur, while asserting that it always ends all conflicts disregards the fact that not all negotiations result in a conclusive agreement. The notion that both parties must completely compromise their values implies an unrealistic expectation of negotiation, where it is often more about finding middle ground rather than total surrender of values.