Converging! September 2007 in Israel/Palestine
E-PARC’s Top 5 Teaching Simulations of 2007, Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts, The Maxwell School of Government, Syracuse University.
21 Pages Posted: 9 May 2015
Date Written: 2007
Abstract
Converging! is a simulation-game constructed as a teaching-tool for the topics of conflict analysis and resolution, collaboration, negotiation, mediation, international law and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is set in a scenario that is primarily fictitious – but still blends in and incorporates real events, history and detail, forming a ‘pseudo-reality’: a situation familiar enough to spark interest, motivation and identification, yet controlled and delineated to allow for maximum learning and skill-building.
Set in the events following Israel's unilateral from the Gaza Strip in 2005, the background scenario depicts a fictional Israeli plan for a unilateral withdrawal from further areas of the West Bank. Behind the scenes, back-channel negotiations are convened to reach agreements which might put relations between Israel and the Palestinians on a more constructive path. A team of UN mediators is involved in these top-secret talks, convened in Cyprus.
Designed for dedicated and committed participants, Converging! engrosses participants in the simulated environment for a long period of time, ranging between one to three days, or from about six to sixteen hours. This investment engenders three potential learning outcomes: In-depth understanding of challenges of managing international conflict; advanced skill-building in conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation skills; and understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This file contains full simulation material, and detailed simulation setup and management instructions have been provided. Additionally, an extensive Debriefing Guide is provided to address the wide variety of training-goals this simulation can achieve.
Keywords: Israel, Palestine, Negotiation, Conflict, Mediation, UN, simulation, Maxwell
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