Interpersonal Trust in International Conflict Negotiation: A Case Study of the Camp David Accords

Abstract

This thesis investigates how trust-based interpersonal relationships influenced the Camp David negotiations (1977–1981) and the subsequent Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty. Building on debates in International Relations (IR) regarding ‘Costly Signalling,’ versus interpersonal face- to-face trust models including mediator roles. The study employs Jacob Bercovitch’s social psychological interactional framework to structure analysis in three phases: the Antecedent, Concurrent, and Consequent. Primary sources include the memoirs of Jimmy Carter and Anwar Sadat as well as Avi Shilon’s biography of Menachem Begin, supplemented by William Quandt’s insider account, and secondary literature. The analysis reveals how Sadat’s 1977 visit to Jerusalem created ‘Working Trust’ and Carter’s strategic private communications fostered personal relationships. During the thirteen days at Camp David, Carter’s informal setting, tailored communication, use of personal relations and trusted intermediaries, sustained negotiations despite repeated deadlocks, cultivating and using deeper ‘Bonded Trust.’ The final Treaty shows the effects of these trust relations, concluding mainly that Sadat’s stronger personal bond with Carter rendered Egypt more influenceable than Israel, leaving the Palestinian issue unresolved. However, Working Trust was needed for the treaty’s inception, but when it would fail, Bonded Trust was necessary to continue the process. By highlighting the interaction and development of these types of trust between key players and mediators, this thesis contributes to understanding how interpersonal trust and personal diplomacy can shape diplomatic outcomes.