Sequencing agenda items can be accomplished by a number of methods, which we address in the section
Ad Hoc Discussions. In this approach, a party proposes an agenda item for discussion. If the other party concurs, they discuss it until an agreement is reached. After the issue is successfully settled, parties select another issue for discussion. This one-at-a-time approach, with little regard for the total sequencing of issues, proceeds until all issues have been discussed. This process offers significant flexibility, and parties can often build trust as each issue is sequentially settled. However, manipulation is also possible if a party consciously selects an issue for the agenda at an opportune moment that may later influence another party’s power or ability to make trades on future issues.