Imagine you are at a negotiating table in a country you’ve never visited. You try to read faces that seem to hide more than they show, and the conversation keeps circling without a clear “yes” or “no.” That disoriented feeling is normal. It teaches us that good negotiation isn’t just about logic and power—it’s about understanding how people see the world. This chapter gives you cultural maps that turn that confusion into insight, so you can handle cross-cultural talks with clarity and respect.