Pax Ludens is a

non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

organization specialized in training and research on international conflict and

crisis management Crisis management is the process by which an organization deals with a disruptive and unexpected event that threatens to harm the organization or its stakeholders. The study of crisis management originated with large-scale industrial and envir ...

. The mission of the organization is to help future decision makers tackle complex international political dynamics and excel in conflict management. The core activities are described as the design and execution of seminars and

simulation A simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. Simulations require the use of models; the model represents the key characteristics or behaviors of the selected system or process, whereas the s ...

exercises based on real and current case studies in the field of

International Relations International relations (IR), sometimes referred to as international studies and international affairs, is the scientific study of interactions between sovereign states. In a broader sense, it concerns all activities between states—such a ...

and

conflict resolution Conflict resolution is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of conflict and retribution. Committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information abo ...

. The programs offered challenge participants to explore various international political conflict scenarios and deal with crisis and conflict situations as events unfold.

Key partners

* The Clingendael institute * The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies * The Turkish Ministry of Foreign affairs * Delft Technical University * The Netherlands Ministry of Defence staff training college * The University of Amsterdam *

Webster University Webster University is a private university with its main campus in Webster Groves, Missouri. It has multiple branch locations across the United States and countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It offers undergraduate and graduate program ...

Leiden and London *

University College Utrecht University College Utrecht (UCU) provides English-language Liberal Arts and Sciences undergraduate education. Founded in 1998, as the first university college in the Netherlands, it is part of Utrecht University. Around 750 students of 70 diffe ...

* The University of Monterrey, Mexico * Vrede van Utrecht

Simulations as learning tools

The world of International Relations is demanding more in-depth knowledge about how and why international dynamics unfold in the way they do. The world today is more complex than ever before, the relationships governing inter-and intrastate (conflict) management have led many to appreciate the multi-disciplinary character of International Relations. The challenge for teaching institutions is evident: what is the most adequate methods to stimulate effective learning processes? To connect disciplines in a new and meaningful way.

Scenarios

Some example of the scenarios used are: * Greater Middle East * Caucasus * Israeli-Palestinian conflict * Good governance in Africa * UN Security Council

Publications

* Mans and Shimshon. Knowledge creation and transfer in the military. Journal of International Negotiations. Publication forthcoming 2010. * Mans, Shimshon, Suransky and Hilst. Baby-sitting or bird watching? The Role of Supervision in IR Simulation Exercises. In Organizing and Learning through Gaming and Simulation Igor Mayer & Hanneke Mastik (eds.) 2008. * Mans, Shimshon, Suransky and Hilst. How to InterACT in conflict settings - The Role of Supervision in IR Simulation Exercises. In: Igor Mayer & Hanneke Mastik (eds.) 2007, Organizing and Learning through Gaming and Simulation, Proceedings of Isaga 2007, Eburon, Delft * Mans and Shimshon. International Conflict Management “Analysis & Intervention” Training Manual. Clingendael Institute & Pax Ludens. 2005. * Suransky, Leonard (1983) “International Relations Games and Simulations.” In The Guide to Simulations/Games for Education and Training, edited by Robert Horn and Anne Cleaves. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage. * Suransky, Leonard. (1980) The Play of Consciousness and Educational Praxis – a Phenomenology of Learning with the Middle East Conflict Simulation Game. USA: University of Michigan Ann Arbour

References

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External links