On November 9, 1989, the East German leadership lacked a coordinated message. Günter Schabowski appeared before the press without a clear briefing and improvised the decisive phrase: “immediately, without delay.” In the absence of clear orders, border guards made their own decisions and opened the crossings. What seemed like a mistake became a historic turning point. In high-pressure negotiations, a lack of top-down control can open space for agency — if individuals are willing to act responsibly. Not every successful negotiation requires perfect coordination, but it does require room for initiative. In rigid systems, controlled loss of control may prove more productive than total oversight.

The negotiations that led to German unification culminated in the Two Plus Four Agreement. It was not drafted through confrontational rounds but emerged through a gradual, iterative process involving six states with divergent interests. By co-authoring a shared treaty text, negotiators shifted the conflict to a more constructive level. Such one-text approaches help forge compromise without forcing concessions. In complex multilateral settings, joint drafting often proves more effective than exchanging positions. It encourages co-creation rather than confrontation.

The process of German reunification unfolded within a few months – an unparalleled negotiation in both speed and scope. The time pressure stemmed from domestic reform dynamics, international expectations, and the collapsing authority of East Germany’s leadership. While many key issues were resolved quickly, deeper societal tensions (e.g. concerning property, political representation, and regional fairness) remained unresolved. Negotiating under time pressure can enable bold decisions, provided stakeholders are well prepared. But it also increases the risk of blind spots and imbalances. Those seeking to shape change must seize momentum strategically, without losing sight of what remains unresolved beneath the surface.