The purpose of this essay is to argue for a systems perspective of crisis negotiation. Previous research and literature has primarily focused on parts, or subunits, of the negotiation process. For example, much of the research into crisis negotiations has addressed the interaction between negotiators and hostage taker. While such research is valuable, over-emphasis on this interaction may result in the neglecting of other key components of the negotiation process. This essay will begin by introducing systems theory and arguing that a crisis negotiation is a system. A review of case studies will be used to support this claim. The paper will conclude with practical and theoretical implications of the utilizing a systems perspective.