Graduated And Reciprocated Initiatives In Tension Reduction (GRIT)

Graduated and reciprocated initiatives in tension reduction (GRIT) is a conflict de-escalation method developed by Charles Osgood. It is a bargaining strategy with the end goal being a "gradual reduction in tension" between two parties. Essentially it is one of the disputing parties encouraging de-escalation by proposing a small initial concession to the opposing party under the assumption that this concession will be accepted and matched by the other. If the party accepts this concession then another one is offered and so on. If successful this will lead to a peace spiral. If the concession is rebutted or ignored then it is recommended that concessions be repeatedly offered a second and third time.

By offering and accepting small concessions then trust can be established between the two opposing parties. It has been shown to be effective in in increasing cooperative behaviors and trust experimental settings and has been used in diplomatic conflicts. Osgood developed this method during the Cold War (hyperlink?) believing that GRIT could be used as an alternative to nuclear war.