History Simulations

[John Simkin]

Forum members might be interested in this website. It provides materials for history, politics and citizenship:

http://www.usip.org/class/simulations/

Simulations

Simulations are educational exercises that provide students the opportunity to "role-play" the concerns of stakeholders in a given scenario. Students will gain greater insight into the dynamics of peacemaking, and will be better able to raise pertinent questions and concerns. The simulations included here enable participants to practice the skills of conflict management, and to test policy options to determine the preferred response to a given set of circumstances.

For instructions on running simulations in your classroom please see our Guide on Using Simulations

The Cambodia Peace Settlement

Participants role-play negotiators at a peace settlement conference, where, due to international pressure, the Cambodian government has agreed to negotiate with opposition leaders over implementation of a peace settlement and past accountability for genocide and war crimes.

The Case of "Palmyra"

This simulation focuses on a conflict in the territory of "Palmyra" in the fictional country of "Siwa." The aim of the simulation is to demonstrate for the participants some of the challenges facing peacemakers in their efforts to resolve violent international conflicts.

Colombia: U.S. Response to the Changing Nature of International Conflict

For the purpose of this exercise, students will be simulating the United States government as it confronts a deteriorating situation in Colombia as a way to deepen their understanding of international relations, U.S. foreign policy, and conflict resolution.

Conflict Prevention in the Greater Horn of Africa

Students will participate in a simulation of the ad hoc OAU committee that the secretary general of the Organization of African Unity—Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim—has organized to deal with the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

This simulation focuses on a U.S.-led effort to bring together many elements of both Israeli and Palestinian society to hold discussions about the needs and interests of both sides before entering into formal negotiations.

Northern Ireland: One Step at a Time—The Derry March and Prospects for Peace

The simulation deals with a specific issue in the Northern Ireland conflict: that of the marches which serve as a microcosm of the larger conflict between Catholics and Protestants.

The Paris Peace Talks of December 1972–January 1973

This simulation focuses on a brief phase in the Paris Peace Talks when the U.S., North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the Soviet Union are meeting in Paris to salvage peace in Vietnam.

Peacekeeping in Kashmir: An American Choice

This simulation focuses on a meeting of the U.S. National Security Council debating the possible use of peacekeeping forces on the ground in Kashmir. In this fictional case, the U.S. government must consider a peace proposal negotiated between India, Pakistan, and China and put forward by a former U.S. assistant secretary of state acting as mediator.

Sri Lanka: Setting the Agenda for Peace

Students will simulate the meeting in Geneva to explore possibilities for the resolution of the Sri Lankan conflict and the subsequent reconstruction of Sri Lankan society.

The Use of Force in Chechnya: An Exploration through Track-Two Diplomacy

This simulation focuses on the conflict in Chechnya and provides an opportunity to take part in a problem-solving workshop involving Russian and Chechen representatives of civil society.