Humanitarian Negotiation MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server providing specialized tools for analyzing and conducting humanitarian negotiations in high-stakes, complex environments.

Overview

This MCP server implements three proven methodologies used by humanitarian negotiators, mediators, and aid workers:

1. Island of Agreement (IoA) - Establishes common ground by categorizing negotiation elements into contested/agreed facts and convergent/divergent norms

2. Iceberg & Common Shared Space (CSS) - Reveals the hidden structure of positions by examining what parties say (positions), how they think (reasoning), and why they act (motives/values)

3. Stakeholder Analysis - Systematically maps, prioritizes, and develops engagement strategies for all relevant actors based on their power, urgency, legitimacy, and position

Features

• Structured Analysis: Transform complex negotiation contexts into actionable frameworks

• Evidence-Based Recommendations: Receive prioritized strategies based on proven methodologies

• Flexible Output Formats: Get results in Markdown (human-readable) or JSON (machine-readable)

• Relationship Mapping: Visualize influence pathways and identify key intermediaries

• Coalition Building: Discover opportunities to build alliances and neutralize opposition

• Risk Mitigation: Identify potential pitfalls and receive specific mitigation strategies

Tools Available

Core Analysis Tools

1. humanitarian_create_island_of_agreement

   • Creates IoA table with contested/agreed facts and convergent/divergent norms

   • Provides strategic recommendations on what to prioritize and avoid

   • Best used at the start of negotiation planning

2. humanitarian_analyze_icebergs

   • Compares both parties' positions, reasoning, and motives

   • Identifies Common Shared Space for compromise

   • Suggests specific opportunities for mutual gain

3. humanitarian_analyze_stakeholders

   • Characterizes stakeholders by Power, Urgency, Legitimacy, and Position

   • Prioritizes stakeholders into First/Second/Third priority levels

   • Maps relationships and influence pathways

   • Develops engagement strategies for each priority level

4. humanitarian_leverage_stakeholder_influence

   • Develops specific tactics to influence a target stakeholder

   • Identifies direct and indirect influence pathways

   • Recommends coalition opportunities and risk mitigation

Utility Tools

5. humanitarian_negotiation_guide

   • Comprehensive guide to all methodologies

   • Best practices and workflow recommendations

   • Tool selection guidance

Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.10 or higher

• pip package manager

Install Dependencies

The requirements.txt should contain:

Add to Claude Desktop

1. Edit your Claude Desktop config file:

   • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

   • Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add the server configuration:

3. Restart Claude Desktop

Usage Examples

Example 1: Starting a New Negotiation

Result: You'll receive an IoA table showing which facts are agreed upon (e.g., 50,000 people need assistance) vs. contested (e.g., exact locations, security assessment), and which norms are shared (humanitarian imperative) vs. divergent (sovereignty concerns).

Example 2: Understanding Deeper Motivations

Result: Iceberg analysis revealing that both parties share concern about reputational risk, suggesting a compromise around transparent reporting mechanisms and joint monitoring.

Example 3: Stakeholder Mapping

Result: Priority rankings showing which stakeholders need active engagement (First Priority: Military Commander, UN Envoy, ICRC) and specific engagement strategies for each.

Example 4: Influencing a Key Stakeholder

Result: Specific tactics showing which supportive stakeholders can advocate to the Commander, how to neutralize opposed influencers, and coalition-building opportunities.

Methodology Overview

Island of Agreement

Purpose: Establish negotiation foundation by separating facts from norms, and agreed elements from contested ones.

When to Use:

• Beginning of negotiation

• When parties are polarized

• Need to find common ground

Key Output: 4-column table (Contested Facts | Agreed Facts | Convergent Norms | Divergent Norms)

Iceberg & Common Shared Space

Purpose: Understand the three-level structure of negotiation:

• What (Visible positions)

• How (Tactical reasoning)

• Why (Core motives and values)

When to Use:

• After IoA analysis

• Positions seem incompatible

• Need creative solutions

Key Output: Side-by-side iceberg comparison with Common Shared Space and compromise opportunities

Stakeholder Analysis

Purpose: Systematically identify, assess, prioritize, and engage stakeholders.

Assessment Criteria:

• Power: Ability to influence decisions (0.0-1.0)

• Urgency: Time-sensitivity of issue (0.0-1.0)

• Legitimacy: Relevance to contribute meaningfully (0.0-1.0)

• Position: Stance on issue (-1.0 to +1.0: Opposed to Supportive)

Priority Levels:

• First Priority: High Power AND Urgency AND Legitimacy → Active engagement

• Second Priority: Any two high attributes → Selective engagement

• Third Priority: One or fewer high attributes → Minimal engagement

Key Output: Characterization table, priority rankings, relationship mapping, engagement strategies

Best Practices

1. Sequential Approach

Use tools in sequence for comprehensive analysis:

1. Island of Agreement (foundation)

2. Iceberg/CSS (deeper understanding)

3. Stakeholder Analysis (engagement planning)

4. Influence Leverage (tactical execution)

2. Regular Updates

• Negotiations are dynamic - update analyses as situations evolve

• Re-run stakeholder analysis if positions change significantly

• Adjust strategies based on outcomes

3. Evidence-Based Decisions

• Support contested facts with credible data

• Use joint fact-finding to resolve disagreements

• Document all agreements and understandings

4. Communication Style

• Maintain formal, professional tone

• Focus on shared interests and mutual benefits

• Avoid inflammatory or judgmental language

• Frame in terms of risk mitigation for all parties

5. Relationship Building

• Start with agreed facts and convergent norms

• Build trust incrementally through small wins

• Demonstrate understanding of all perspectives

• Seek solutions that allow all parties to "save face"

Limitations

• Analysis Quality: Output quality depends on input quality. Provide comprehensive, accurate context.

• Dynamic Situations: Analyses represent snapshots in time. Update regularly as situations evolve.

• Cultural Context: Tools provide general frameworks. Adapt recommendations to specific cultural contexts.

• Human Judgment: Tools support decision-making but don't replace experienced negotiator judgment.

Use Cases

Humanitarian Access Negotiations

• Negotiating with governments or armed groups for access to affected populations

• Establishing humanitarian corridors or ceasefires

• Coordinating multi-agency responses

Inter-Organizational Coordination

• Resolving conflicts between UN agencies

• Coordinating with military forces on civil-military cooperation

• Aligning donor priorities with operational needs

Community Engagement

• Negotiating with local authorities and leaders

• Managing community expectations and participation

• Resolving disputes over aid distribution

Crisis Response Planning

• Multi-stakeholder coordination for emergency response

• Negotiating resource allocation among agencies

• Establishing coordination mechanisms under pressure

Support and Feedback

This MCP server implements established humanitarian negotiation frameworks used in:

• UN humanitarian operations

• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) negotiations

• NGO coordination in complex emergencies

For questions about specific use cases or to report issues, provide detailed context including:

• Negotiation type and stage

• Parties involved

• Specific challenges faced

• Tool outputs received

License

[Your chosen license]

Acknowledgments

Methodologies based on established humanitarian negotiation practices and frameworks used by international humanitarian organizations.