ABSTRACT
Any type of negotiation process which involves more than two partners is multilateral in scope. Negotiations between states are seldom purely bilateral. There are always third parties, either as mediators or as interested parties. Since the end of World War II, our international system is moving toward an increased level of multilaterality. This is partly a function of our shrinking globe thanks to new modes of communication technology, more powerful international organizations and a tendency of players to see themselves as parts of blocs and alliances.
