International Conflict Simulation

Heavily based on the classroom game developed by Dr.Nathan Sears, this simulation is designed to teach students key concepts in International Relations (IR), such as anarchy in the international system, the security dilemma, and strategic decision-making. Students will role-play as states in an anarchic international system, making decisions about resource allocation (armaments vs. enjoyment) and foreign policy (peace vs. war). The decisions students make, the outcomes they experience, and the frustration or elation they feel together become a touchstone you can return to when introducing new concepts or cases, connecting theory to something students have already experienced in the miniature. This shared experience prompts students to think deeply about their own decisions and those of others, and how those decisions mirror those of states in the international system more broadly. Extensions are provided to further emphasize the concepts of great power rivalry, private information, and international institutions.

Find the facilitator instructions and student handout here: (Instructions) Find Dr. Sears version of the game here