From Unanimity to Voting and Consensus: Trends and Phenomena in Joint Decision-Making by Governments

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Abstract
Törnudd, K. From Unanimity to Voting and Consensus: Trends and Phenomena in Joint Decision-Making by Governments. Cooperation and Conflict, XVII, 1982, 163-177. The purpose of this article is to make certain preliminary observations regarding methods of making joint decisions by governments. It is possible to perceive a continuum extending from voting between different alternative proposals in conference assemblies with a minimum of negotiation, over various situations of voting or almost unanimous decisions with provisions for opting out, to consensus decisions requiring great efforts of negotiation at least until a 'smallest common denominator' is achieved. The consensus method has gained more prominence in recent years, reflecting a need to give procedural strength to the holders of real power resources who otherwise could be overwhelmed by the power of the vote. The comprehensive approach to decision-making associated with the use of the consensus method has profound effects on the whole conduct of work at multilateral conferences as well as on the substantive outcome — a matter requiring further analysis and study.

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