Simulations

Reforming the Pension System in Cambria

Publication Date: June 30, 2026

Scenario:This seven-party simulation is set in Cambria, a fictional nation grappling with a pension fund crisis. Over two class sessions, students assume the role of a stakeholder group in a Congressional debate on pension reform. This simulation...

Development Diplomacy in Action: The CASA-1000 Electricity Grid

Publication Date: February 6, 2025

Scenario:This eight-party development diplomacy simulation, set in late 2024, places students in a complex negotiation to revive the stalled regional energy infrastructure project known as CASA-1000. This transmission line seeks to create a regional...

Shimla City High School & Camp Sunshine: Negotiating Over Limited Resources

Publication Date: November 13, 2024

Scenario:In this fictional simulation, Shimla City High School has been dealing with financial troubles and is leasing its fleet of five school buses during the summer holidays to raise funds. Camp Sunshine, an environmentally oriented children’s...

A Fork in the Road: Simulating Lyndon Johnson's Choices in Vietnam in Early 1965

Publication Date: April 11, 2024

This historical role-play simulation is set on March 28, 1965. The scenario places students within the context of that time, a point at which, after months of increasing tensions and contentious debate, President Lyndon Johnson appears to be...

Police-Mental Health Collaborations: Lessons on Scaling and Leadership

Publication Date: August 17, 2023

Scaling public programs is a challenging task that requires thoughtful planning and purposeful leadership. Pilot programs often result in astounding outcomes that leave stakeholders excited and eager to expand the initiative. However,...

Galvis City Schools Collective Bargaining Simulation

Publication Date: June 8, 2022

This is a seven-party exercise, with six negotiators and one facilitator. Representatives from a large school district and its affiliated teachers’ union must negotiate for three rounds. The Mayor serves as a facilitator and convening...

Lobbying and Advocacy: Theory and Practice Simulations

Publication Date: August 9, 2021

These two simulations are part of the Lobbying and Advocacy: Theory and Practice course. Materials in this course are designed to help students understand how lobbying and advocacy impact the making of public policy. In doing so students will...

In the Cold Light of Day: A Case Study of Argentina’s 2001-2002 Economic Crisis

Publication Date: August 21, 2017

Argentina's macroeconomic crisis of 2001-02 is a classic case of the interaction between exchange rate policy, fiscal policy, banking and external finance. It makes for a highly engaging teaching case because of its many layers. It was at one...

The Job Negotiation: A three-party, email-based, employment offer negotiation

Publication Date: April 8, 2016

Scenario:Jordan Webb, a current master’s student, negotiates via email (simultaneously) with two tech firms who are potential employers. Both firms have offered to create a new position for Jordan, as the Director of Community Engagement, to manage...

A Delicate Balance: The International Criminal Court’s Process for Identifying New Cases

Publication Date: October 13, 2015

Ever since it was created, in 2002, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been the subject of high expectations and frequent controversy over its selection of cases. This 5-page multimedia website challenges students to put themselves in...