Flashpoint: Syria, 2014 - An International Conflict Management Simulation

39 Pages Posted: 7 Aug 2014

See all articles by Noam Ebner

Noam Ebner

Creighton University Heider College of Business

Yael Efron

Zefat Academic College - School of Law; Mitchell Hamline School of Law; Hebrew University - Faculty of Law; University of Missouri

Nellie Munin

Zefat Academic College - School of Law

Date Written: 2014

Abstract

FlashPoint is a simulation-game constructed as a teaching-tool for the topics of conflict analysis and resolution, collaboration, negotiation, mediation and public international law. 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, as it is, in a scenario right out of today’s headlines - the ongoing upheaval in Syria - it offers students the sense of applying their analysis and skills to real-world problems.

The background scenario depicts a fictional dispute between Turkey and Syria, over a developing humanitarian crisis occurring in a piece of land claimed by both countries. Underlying this presenting issue is a broad range of international, national and local interests, which must be resolved in order for a peaceful solution to be reached. However, power imbalances, as well as time pressure, present major obstacles to resolution. A team of UN mediators convenes negotiating teams from each country, in an attempt to reach a negotiated settlement.

The document contains all role information necessary to conduct the simulation, as well as a comprehensive teacher's guide.

Keywords: negotiation, mediation, simulation, conflict, competition, cooperation, dispute, international law, United Nations

Suggested Citation

Ebner, Noam and Efron, Yael and Munin, Nellie, Flashpoint: Syria, 2014 - An International Conflict Management Simulation (2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2476968 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2476968

Noam Ebner (Contact Author)

Creighton University Heider College of Business ( email )

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
United States

Yael Efron

Zefat Academic College - School of Law ( email )

11 Jerusalem St.
Zefat, 13206
Israel

Mitchell Hamline School of Law ( email )

875 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105-3076
United States

Hebrew University - Faculty of Law ( email )

Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, 91905
Israel

University of Missouri ( email )

307 Hulston Hall
820 Conley Avenue
Columbia, MO 65211
United States

Nellie Munin

Zefat Academic College - School of Law ( email )

11 Jerusalem St.
Zefat, 1320611
Israel

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