Papers

Author(s)
Thomas Saaty
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
University of Pittsburgh
United States
Enrique Mu
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
University of Pittsburgh
United States

Publication date: Sep, 1997

Journal: Socio-Economic Planning Sciences
Vol.: 31- Issue: 3- Pages: 165-172

Abstract: How should the Peruvian Government resolve the Japanese embassy takeover hostage crisis? As of this writing, MRTA operatives continue to hold 72 hostages and demand the release of their jailed comrades among other concessions. We have used the Analytic Hierarchy Process decision methodology to analyze possible government actions and their implications, as well as those of MRTA's. The results from our study are that storming the building to release the hostages would be the least desirable action for all parties involved, and that a rational approach to negotiate the differences is preferable. We provide a decision framework for that purpose, showing that the government's position needs to gradually evolve from the tough initial “no negotiation” stance to a more flexible “negotiation” approach in order to save the hostages‘ lives.

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URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-0121(97)00015-3