Meeting with parties as an individual global activist, Brahm communicates directly with parties in situations when diplomatic constraints prevent honest communication. Forging a consensus, Brahm uses media outlets as a columnist and commentator to drive issues into the public light and help bring parties “to the table.”

He started honing this approach early in his career as a lawyer and investment advisor to multinational corporations entering the difficult and complex China market during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Brahm’s name as a negotiator emerged when he closed the landmark technology dispute between Eastman Kodak – Xiamen Fuda by managing relations in the Chinese government. It was historically the largest technology transfer dispute between China and a foreign entity, and final resolution papers required State Council approval and sign-off by China’s premier. Brahm led a combination of direct negotiations, behind-the-scenes consensus building between political players to find solutions. Throughout the Clinton Administration, the US Embassy Commercial Department often called upon Brahm to solve disputes for American corporations that could not be resolved by law firms adopting classic litigation approaches.

Brahm was later a key player in behind-the-scenes political negotiations restarting direct cross-straits air routes between China and Taiwan during Chinese New Year 2005.  Holding under-the-radar meetings in Taipei and Macao, Brahm brokered greater understanding and confidence building measures which eventually led to the deal. His column in the South China Morning Post served as public communication wire between the two governments openly placing messages during this process.

Brahm next was invited to Nepal to advise then Nepalese Maoist rebel leader, Prachanda, who was considering his organization’s transition from jungle fighters to democratic coalition participants. Brahm was beside Prachanda advising on a range of issues from economics to grass-roots political organization. Prachanda is one of the early advocates of the Himalayan Consensus. This led to the Maoist rebels laying down their guns, entering mainstream politics as a legitimate political party, and winning democratic elections outright. Today, Prachanda is the Prime Minister of Nepal, and during his first state visit to China he met with three key Beijing personalities President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in formal settings, and then visiting Brahm at his home. 

Brahm’s books on the negotiating and mediation technique include When Yes Means No: (Or Yes or Maybe): How to Negotiate a Deal in China, The Art of The Deal in China: A Practical Guide to Business Etiquette and the 36 Martial Strategies Employed by Chinese Businessmen and Officials in China, and Negotiating in China 36 Strategies.