Trattativa

Trattativa is the Italian noun for the process of negotiating or bargaining to reach an agreement. It can refer to formal or informal talks between individuals, organizations, or states, typically involving give-and-take, concessions, and a timeline. The term is used across politics, diplomacy, business, and labor relations to describe discussions that aim to settle terms, define conditions, or resolve disputes, whether in public or private settings. Trattative may be discreet or open, short or long, and can occur before a final contract or settlement is reached.

Etymology and nuance: trattare means to deal with or handle, from Latin tractare. Trattativa connotes a pragmatic, often less formal or more flexible approach than a strictly formal negoziazione (negotiation). In some contexts it emphasizes the ongoing, iterative nature of talks rather than a single agreed outcome.

Contexts and examples: in government, trattative may involve coalition-building or policy compromises; in business, it encompasses contract terms and commercial conditions; in labor relations, it describes negotiations between employers and unions. In civil or criminal matters, it can refer to confidential talks intended to settle disputes or prevent escalation.

Historical note: in Italy the phrase trattativa Stato-mafia refers to alleged clandestine negotiations in the 1990s between state authorities and criminal organizations. The topic is controversial and debated, with investigations and differing interpretations about its scope and impact.

See also: negoziazione, contrattazione, mediazione, diplomazia.