How does one deal with an opponent who refuses to negotiate?

Question

Suppose you have a problem which needs solving or you will die. The cause of the problem stems from the Governing body, or those in power in your place of domicile. If that body, or group, refuse to engage in negotiation with you in terms of aleviating this problem how do you resolve the problem?

There is no-one to completely surrender to. You are not in a position to surrender as no-one is attacking you. You will die if you do nothing, and if you do something you might die as well. What would you do?

You cannot leave the place of domicile as you are on an island, and you have no way of leaving the island. Even if you do leave the island, political asylum would not be granted to you as you would be treated as a lunatic.

Any subtle threats you make you will have to be prepared to carry out.

Answer 1

Try to overthrow them to get them out of the way - whether by appealing to another group or even by violence. I would have to be completely justified in my own way, of course.

Answer 2

This analogy is incorrect. We won't die if someone refuses to negotiate. We must wait for the right time. When everyone is willing to give up some of its power in order to make the world a safer place.

Answer 3

There are only two alternatives, imposition or persuasion. If the first is impossible you must attempt the second, which may include an implied subtle threat as to the undesirable consequences of your death, such as revenge, revolt, unavailability of your services and your contribution to the common good. Lay it on thick and keep arguing to exhaustion! What can you loose?

Answer 4

This is a trick question! Any response that leans toward violence says it's ok to be a terrorist. Any other response will not provide results. If they refuse to negotiate, then I guess you die, or try to circumvent the governing body.

Answer 5

Payoffs

Answer 6

If its literally a life or death situation, then you have to do all you can to save your skin, no matter what else you might lose, ie, you cannot do anything about the opponent, but you can do something about saving yourself.

Answer 7

You better practice complete surrender.

Answer 8

Great question

Attrition...you keep on asking, demonstrating the validity of your arguments...they may not like it but they have got to recognise your right to speak...

Answer 9

Move to a country that will.

Answer 10

Move of kill the offending parties. I mean , if you will die anyway, what the hell.