Empowering Future Global Leaders: Diplomacy through Simulations

An exploration of Diplomacy Simulations

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, the next generations of leaders and diplomats are more vital than ever before. International cooperation, diplomacy, and negotiation have become paramount to solving the multifaceted issues facing society. Over the last two weeks, students in San Diego and around the world have had the opportunity to participate in diplomatic simulations, hosted at La Jolla Country Day School, that mirror many of these issues.

The simulations provide an opportunity for students to step into the shoes of a diplomat who has to master a deep understanding of global affairs. The scenarios presented in the simulations have been made by the National Museum of American Diplomacy, a part of the U.S. State Department. The simulation environments offer an invaluable experience that exposes students to the challenges and intricacies of global diplomacy. Their skills in research, public speaking, and tactful diplomacy are tested as they work alongside opposing viewpoints, strive to build alliances, and develop compromises.

Students are assigned various stakeholders including NGOs, international organizations, and involved nation-states. They immediately jump into the given scenario and adopt the persona of whatever stakeholder group they represent. Researching the historical context of the scenario, listing out their group’s interests, forming alliances, and drafting potential plans. Students jump back and forth between informal negotiations, in which they strategize within their group, and formal negotiations, where all groups come together to draft a final proposal. 

The students are faced with several challenges throughout the simulation. Some students are representing stakeholder groups who they may not necessarily agree with. While other students are made to compromise with groups who have drastically opposing viewpoints. The challenging and sometimes even frustrating process of coming to a resolution builds the necessary confidence and skills that they will need to achieve a more peaceful and inclusive world. Students who have participated thus far in the GLYP 2023 session have exceeded expectations and grown as both academics and human beings. 

By investing in these educational opportunities, we empower students to become leaders and open opportunities for a potentially better tomorrow. GLYP provides students with an immersive experience to hone their diplomatic skills, raise their global awareness, and begin their journey toward citizen diplomacy.

Written by Program Intern, Aiden Steele