International Negotiation and Crisis Simulation
Practicing diplomacy through simulations in international negotiation and decision-making.
The International Negotiation Simulation Exercise trains students at campuses in Washington, DC, and Doha in negotiations, decision-making, and crisis management. This one-day simulation, in conjunction with Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, offers the hands-on opportunity to practice diplomacy through complex international negotiations and real-time crisis decision-making activities.
The simulation exercises are hypothetical scenarios based on a current international problem. Under the supervision of faculty mentors and guest experts, participants work in teams to gain experience in high-level diplomatic negotiations between key players. Participants are provided with a background paper and scenario, along with “confidential” negotiating instructions. The objective is to understand different perspectives, motivations, and challenges in grappling with foreign policy issues.
Past crisis simulation topics include:
- Avoiding a Red Sea Environmental Disaster During the Yemen Civil War
- Great Power Competition in the Gulf: Crisis, Opportunity, and Conflicting Interests
- The Reconstruction of Afghanistan
- The disputed division of Cyprus
- Conflict in the Straits of Taiwan
- International Health and Humanitarian Crisis in North Korea
- Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh
- The Humanitarian Crisis in Syria and the Negotiation of Peace for Syria
- Civil War and Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Student Perspectives
“There is no other stimulation that teaches you about negotiation and diplomatic skills, yet also mimics all the social behaviors we face in the real world, such as egos, and secret alliances and manipulation.”
— Alak Raad, Class of 2023
“Qatar had an essential role throughout the negotiations, and being able to represent my home nation was a true blessing that gave me a stronger sense of responsibility to ensure that our objectives were met by the end of the simulation.”
— Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Boainin, Class of 2023
Earning Course Credit
By enrolling in IPOL 354-70 International Negotiation Lab (1 credit), students can earn academic credit for completing this one-day exercise along with related academic requirements. Designed to engage students in the study of diplomacy and negotiation using theory and practice, it is graded pass/fail and appears on the student’s transcript.
Course Learning Goals
- To learn the theory behind negotiation, both historically and currently, and to successfully engage in the practice of negotiation.
- To gain in-depth and practical knowledge on a particular and current crisis and its underlying political dynamics.
- To learn to write short policy briefs based on the results of the simulation.
- To provide students, through targeted readings and assignments, the tools necessary to engage in negotiation in the future.
- To engage with other students in collaborative learning.
How to Register
Students who want to take the class for academic credit must register for the course (IPOL 354-70) by the last day of add/drop for the semester in which the simulation is offered (usually the fall semester). Students who want to take the course without academic credit must respond to the invitation that will be sent early in the semester. Space is limited, so students are encouraged to register early!