International Relations

Simulation courses for universities

Enhance course curricula with innovative simulations

For groups of up to 40 students, our simulation programmes provide the opportunity to experience the complexity of a particular international political conflict. Over the course of the programme (8 to 16 weeks), students investigate a specific case study - within its broader context - and take on the roles of world leaders in order to engage in a high-level diplomatic simulation. While gaining in-depth knowledge about a specific case study, students are challenged to practice individual skills, such as negotiation skills, resilience and analytical skills. Our simulation programmes are facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of experts in International Relations.

This website gives an outline of the integration of a two-day Greater Middle East simulation in standing university courses, e.g. area studies, International Relations and Conflict Studies. Pax Ludens is able to deliver similar programmes on topics such as the Politics of Nuclear Proliferation and Energy Politics in the Caucasus.

Purpose of the exercise

To integrate knowledge, put it in context and create an environment in which students experience diplomatic conflict dynamics and explore modalities for conflict resolution within the Greater Middle East context.

Background of the exercise

Conflict is ubiquitous. It exists at all levels, within and between individuals, communities, countries and cultures. We encounter it every day. Conflict is in itself neither bad nor good, but a sign that change is imminent. The question is: does the way it is dealt with allow for positive or negative change? Does it allow for growth, development, and understanding, or rather destruction, confusion, and polarization?

The management of the Arab-Israeli conflict has resulted in much negative change. It is one of the most intractable and dangerous conflicts of our era that has resisted resolution attempts by generations of regional and international politicians and conflict experts. It has been characterized as the kernel of instability in the wider region and beyond. For these reasons it lends itself for courses on conflict resolution, diplomatic practice and International Relations. Over the course of the exercise, students are confronted with the core issues and themes of the conflict in an interdisciplinary setting. In recognition of the importance of personal and national narratives within the region they get to experience the conflict in a simulation of two full days.

Learning objectives

  • Experience International Relations theory, course content and interdisciplinary learning (History/IR/International Law/Conflict Studies) in practice
  • Create in-depth understanding of complex conflict dynamics (history/current events and conflict management);
  • Improve understanding of diplomatic and high-level decision-making in case specific context;
  • Challenge participants to act as diplomats and understanding the other; and
  • Enable students to develop core competencies within complex environments.

Setup

Over the course of a typical Pax Ludens Greater Middle East (under-) graduate course of eight to sixteen weeks, students are challenged to investigate all aspects of the conflict. Each week students receive lectures from Pax Ludens experts on the subject. matter.

Past experiences

Simulation courses are used at a variety of universities, among which:

  • The University College Utrecht: where Pax Ludens provides a course entitled "Globalism, Terrorism and the Arab-Israeli Conflict" to a group of second and third year undergraduate students.
  • The Dutch Defence College (IDL): Where Pax Ludens, in collaboration with the Insitute Clingendael, provides a two-months course on International Relations to staff officers (Hogere Defensie Vorming). We have recently published a new article about our experiences at the IDL.

Our conflict-simulations are tried and tested, saving you time and costs in regards of development and execution. Pax Ludens has all the in-house expertise and (ICT) capabilities to facilitate all aspects of the simulation. This program uses our InterACT software.

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