The “Yes” Trap That Breaks Diplomatic Strategy

Empty nods and polite agreements don’t create change. ‘No’ does. Here’s how to use it.

Let me take you back to COP24.

Bilateral meetings. Back-to-back. Smiles. Nods. Verbal support.

I thought we were gaining ground.

By week two, I realized none of it was real. None of those “yes” moments turned into action.

What I thought was progress? It was a string of polite exits. Agreements that evaporated the moment decisions were made.

That’s when it hi…