GU-Q Simulated Diplomatic Crisis Course Teaches Negotiation Skills Under Guidance of Seasoned Diplomats

At Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), 27 undergraduate students took part in the annual Negotiation Simulation Exercise, a hands-on opportunity to learn about the complexities of international negotiation and peacebuilding by resolving a fictional diplomatic crisis in the region with the mentorship and participation of diplomats from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.

Organized by GU-Q in conjunction with Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) in Washington, DC, the exercise enacts a hypothetical current foreign policy scenario which students must resolve through simulated high-level diplomatic negotiations. It comes at the end of a one-credit course offered each academic year.

Roland McKay, Foreign Service Officer with the U.S Department of State, contributed to the idea for this year’s scenario, which tasked student teams with the goal of negotiating a regional security framework agreement between the leading GCC states and Iran. 

This was the second simulation for International Politics junior Alak Raad, who represented the State of Qatar in the negotiations. “The experience was invaluable,” she said, adding that “there is no other stimulation that teaches you about negotiation and diplomatic skills, yet also mimics all the social behaviors we face in the real world, such as egos and secret alliances and manipulation.”

Dr. Christine Schiwietz, GU-Q’s Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and the program organizer, said: “Experiential learning exercises that challenge students to become active learners are foundational to GU-Q’s international affairs curriculum. Applying their theoretical understanding of global politics learned in a classroom to a possible scenario deepens student understanding of multilateral negotiations and teaches valuable critical thinking and decision-making skills.”

Students prepare for the simulation by reading negotiation instructions and background information, and exercises are led by faculty and special guests who share their real-world expertise in diplomacy and international affairs. Natalie Baker, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, took on a role in the simulation, with embassy staff Nikhil Lakhanpal, Economic Officer, and Rachel Mikeska, Public Affairs Officer, offering mentorship and support. GU-Q Adjunct Assistant Professor Nadine Ghamlosh also took part.

Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Boainin, a junior majoring in International Politics and minoring in history, also gained experience representing Qatar during the simulation. “Qatar had an essential role throughout the negotiations, and one of the few states that had the opportunity to conduct necessary mediation between all parties involved,” he said, adding that “being able to represent my home nation was a true blessing that gave me a stronger sense of responsibility to ensure that our objectives were met by the end of the simulation.”