Little Golano: An International Conflict Management Simulation

Abstract

Little Golano is a simulation-game constructed as a teaching-tool for the topics of conflict analysis and resolution, collaboration, negotiation, mediation and 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.The background scenario depicts a fictional dispute between the United States and Mexico, over a piece of land claimed by both countries. Claims to the land go back a hundred years, to a fictional war between the countries and the fictional treaty that ended it. Underlying this presenting issue is a broad range of 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.Designed for dedicated and committed participants, Little Golano 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 the complexities of managing international conflict; Advanced skill-building in conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation skills; (optional) Experience with the nuances of categorizing, researching, pleading and negotiating issues of international law.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.