International Relations in Action : A World Politics Simulation / Brock F. Tessman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tessman, Brock F., Author.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (138 p.)

Place of Publication:

Boulder : Lynne Rienner Publishers, [2022]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

This hands-on exercise allows students to relate the concepts and issues at the foundation of global politics to the realities of international politics today. As influential leaders in the fictional world of Politica, each team of students governs a country with a unique history, geography, and culture. The teams must use strategy and negotiation to succeed and survive seeking to achieve specific territorial, security, and economic objectives. In the process, they grapple with a range of complex challenges: energy security, ethnic conflict, humanitarian intervention, environmental disaster, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and more. Students also pursue individual objectives based on the governmental post they hold and quickly learn that self-interest and national interest are not always compatible. Teams are judged on their effectiveness in meeting stated objectives, but must also relate their practical experience to the academic content of the course. Toward this end, the book provides summaries, analysis, study questions, and additional sources of information for each of the theories and issues encountered during the simulation. Guidelines for instructors are also included. International Relations in Action has been tested in multiple courses of various sizes, with students and instructors unanimously agreeing that it makes abstract theories practical and accessible, evokes an appreciation for the complexity of international politics, and generates enthusiasm for the study of international relations. In the representative words of one student, "It was the best learning experience I've ever had."

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Figures and Tables

Introduction

Part 1. Let the Games Begin

1. Individual and Team Objectives

2. History and Geography

Part 2. Basic Components of the Simulation

3. Resource Factors

4. Diplomacy

5. Trade

6. Conflict

Part 3. The Simulation Scenarios

7. Alliance Politics

8. Territorial Disputes

9. Nuclear Proliferation

10. Ethnic Conflict

11. Free Trade vs. Protectionism

12. Natural Resource Politics

13. Currency Crises

14. Foreign Aid

15. Global Security Organizations

16. International Criminal Courts

17. Collective Action Problems

18. Environmental Challenges

Instructor’s Guide

About the Book

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 29. Jun 2022)

ISBN:

1-68585-363-3