PAST SIMULATIONS
Spring 2024
Rising Tides
​
We return with the tenth edition of our annual U.S.-China kinetic simulation. For the first time, Rising Tides will focus on both Taiwan and the South China Sea and the implications of U.S.-China strategic competition in the region. This iteration will include important regional alliances. Also, taking a unique focus, for the first time, is great power competition in the Pacific Islands and great power energy competition.
​​
​
Spring 2024
Ecuadorian Emergency
​
​The newly elected Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa puts his hard-line anti-cartel policy to the test. In opposition, the cartels declared open war on the Ecuadorian government, resulting in extreme violence, political assassinations, and hostage takings. To counter this violence, President Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency and designated the cartels as terrorist organizations. With the situation spiraling, the United States and international bodies seek to provide support for Ecuador while pursuing their own national interests. Will Ecuador and its international backers stabilize the situation, or will the scourge of the drug trade continue to permeate the lives of Ecuadorians for generations to come?
​
​
Fall 2023
Frozen Accord
​
In 2028, Russia, under new political leadership, is blindsided by sudden protests demanding independence in the vital exclave of Kaliningrad. Concerns regarding the source of this radical new movement lead Russia to increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea and along its western border. This prompts the United States and NATO to hold naval exercises in the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile, protests in Kaliningrad continue to grow as the diplomatic situation worsens. Tensions are running high, and participants must work within their government to prevent war from breaking out while also keeping an eye on their political aims.
​​​
​
Fall 2023​
Perilous Peace
​
Perilous Peace focused on simulating peace talks between the Colombian government and the ELN. Both sides have a vested interest in cementing the ceasefire and ending the conflict. However, internal divisions, and various political, security, and humanitarian issues threaten to shatter the fragile peace. Will the sides work together and create a plan for peace, or will the negotiations crumble, subjecting Colombia to further violence?
Spring 2023
Rising Tides
​
Rising Tides will focused on Taiwan and the implications of U.S.-China strategic competition in the region. This iteration expands to include regional alliances, including India, Japan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Korea.
Spring 2023
Electoral Eclipse​
​
In collaboration with the Elliott School's Leadership, Ethics, and Practice (LEAP) Initiative,
​
General elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrive in the shadow of violence in the country's East. Internal displacement and food insecurity, among other humanitarian challenges, are on the rise. The international community seeks to reconcile their differences and address colonial legacies in the DRC in order to assist the country in its time of transition.
Fall 2022
Lost Horizon​
​
Participants explored the expansion of telecommunications and geospatial information technology comes a new era of crowded space. The traditional powers of Russia and the United States are joined by new actors, both state and commercial. In an era of great power competition and corporate expansion, space will play a vital role in any future earthly conflict
Fall 2022
Transitional Tremors​
​
In collaboration with the Elliott School's Leadership, Ethics, and Practice (LEAP) Initiative,
Participants dove into the future of the Yemeni Civil War. In this simulation, we will explore the political, ethical, and legal ramifications of this crisis in the Arabian Peninsula.
The prospect of millions of deaths looms over Yemen as the conflict has taken a tenuous halt during a U.N. brokered ceasefire. While all sides attempt to prolong the ceasefire in order to find a permanent solution to the conflict, the number of explosive ordinance-related deaths is gradually increasing, famine threatens the Houthi-held parts of the country, and civilian casualties continue to mount as a result of sporadic fighting. These issues combined have drawn increased scrutiny to the long-overlooked conflict and placed significant pressure on the Saudi-led coalition and various warring parties to find a solution to this conflict.
Spring 2022
Rising Tides​
​
In collaboration with the Elliott School's Leadership, Ethics, and Practice (LEAP) Initiative,
Join us for our annual United States vs. China simulation with a green team twist! This year's Rising Tides will focus on the South China Sea and the implications of contested oil rights between China and the Philippines. When a Philippine National Oil Company ship is seized by what appears to be Chinese fishermen, tensions run high in the region with potentially disastrous consequences.
Spring 2022
Fraught Frontier
​
In collaboration with the Elliott School's Leadership, Ethics, and Practice (LEAP) Initiative, our exercise explored the political and ethical ramifications of the migrant crisis on the U.S.'s southern border with Mexico. With the encroaching heat and droughts of the La Niña summer and an increase in organized crime and violence in the Northern Triangle countries and Mexico, U.S. and Mexican officials have witnessed a substantial increase in border crossings. This growth in migration has also allowed cartels to begin smuggling a dangerous new drug over the border. Both of these conditions have placed substantial domestic and international pressure on Mexico and the U.S. With this unprecedented combination of events, will Mexico and the U.S. work together to solve this crisis or will the pressures of the situation cause their delicate relationship to crack?
Fall 2021
Collision Course
​
In partnership with NATO Allied Command Transformation, GWUSCS presented Collision Course, a geostrategic simulation of contemporary security challenges faced by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Plotlines included the incorporation of Finland and Sweden into the Organization, the halting of oil and gas pipelines from the Russian Federation to eastern European members of the alliance, and a perceived attack on a Spanish plane during a military training exercise. Members had to navigate the
Fall 2021
Ruined Tempest
​
After a cyclone strikes Sri Lanka, leaving vital infrastructure destroyed and thousands displaced, the nation is left to pick up the pieces and begin the process of rebuilding. However, with competing influences from abroad, Sri Lanka finds itself at a crossroads. Does it continue its partnership with China, looking to the East for investments in crucial roads and ports, or does it instead turn to the United States, which has long sought to secure the movement of its navy through the Indian Ocean? At the same time, how will Sri Lanka tackle rising internal ethnic tensions as destroyed communities and refugee camps once again fester into civil strife?
Spring 2021
Celtic Rift
​
Following a hotly contested UK general election in 2024, Irish Republicans in Northern Ireland have made the decision to officially push for Irish Unification. What follows is a contentious process of referendums and border polls, prompting responses from local political parties and national actors. Participants navigated a shaky democratic process while attempting to establish a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
Spring 2021
Rising Tides
​
GWUSCS's adversarial megagame returned in Spring 2021 with the seventh edition of Rising Tides, our annual U.S.-China simulation. This year's virtual Rising Tides explored the implications of a unilateral declaration of independence by a new Taiwanese government elected in 2029 for the bilateral relationship and for the region, in the context of a serious military escalation between the PRC and ROC. Participants were asked to manage the most serious national security crisis facing the region since the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1996, and possibly since the Korean War.
​
​
Fall 2020
Capitol Affliction
​
In partnership with GW GlobeMed, Capitol Affliction simulated a crisis response to a convergence of natural and public health disasters throughout the DMV area. Participants played a plethora of public health and emergency response organizations and were charged with the safety and well-being of DMV-area inhabitants affected by extensive flooding, the COVID-19 pandemic, and potable water outages.
Spring 2020
Troubled Waters
​
Troubled Waters: A Simulation of Water Rights Disputes Along the Nile River, focused on the United States role in mediating the dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan over water access in light of Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River. The exercise asked U.S. participants to address the ethical and political implications of this disagreement while working with dueling powers Ethiopia and Egypt for their rights to water.
Fall 2019
Forsaken Revolution​
​
In a new form of simulation writing for SCS, Forsaken Revolution: A Simulation of U.S.-Colombia Cooperation, asked participants to assume the role of policymakers in the US or Colombian governments. Specifically, the content of the exercise was oriented around the economic, political, and security implications of the crisis in Venezuela. Participants acted as actors from Colombia and the United States, with warring perspectives on how the unstable actor between them should change course.
Fall 2019
Crumbling Facade​
​
Strategic Crisis Simulations partnered with the Elliott School's Leadership, Ethics, and Practice (LEAP) Initiative to present Crumbling Facade: a simulation Exploring Ethical Responses to the Campaign of Repression Against the Uyghur People. This simulation examined the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding the international community's response to the crisis Xinjiang, and gave participants the opportunity to learn more about the importance of leadership in international affairs. Participants played as U.S. government officials, United Nations officials, and NGOs to develop a comprehensive set of policies and resolution options for the conflict. This simulation resulted in strong diplomatic responses from NGOs and the United Nations
Spring 2019
Falling Shadows​
​
Strategic Crisis Simulations partnered with the Elliott School's Leadership, Ethics, and Practice (LEAP) Initiative to present Falling Shadows: A Simulation of Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar. This simulation examined the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding the international community's response to the crisis in Myanmar, and gave participants the opportunity to learn more about the importance of leadership in international affairs. Participants played as U.S. government officials, United Nations officials, and NGOs to develop a comprehensive set of policies and resolution options for the conflict. This simulation resulted in a strong medical and aid response for refugees, but little help in mitigating direct refugee conflicts in Bangladesh. Reactions to Myanmar were definitive and created strong ripples of change through the region.
Spring 2019
Collision Course
​
Strategic Crisis Simulations examined its yearly Russia - US simulation in a new region, the Arctic Circle. Taking place in 2030, the majority of ice caps had melted and the seas were ripe for claims, resource extraction, and conflict. Participants were forced to face diplomatic mazes, security threats, and crashed satellites, all while maintaining ties to strategic allies in order to tip the scales against their opposing nations. Using intelligence, diplomacy, military, and humanitarian aid, Participants on both Russia and the United States were able to simulate a massive change in a dynamic region.
FALL 2018
Rising Tides
​
Strategic Crisis Simulations’ annual “U.S. versus China” simulation, Rising Tides examined the complex maze that actors had to negotiate when dealing with the tense social, political, and military dilemmas currently occurring in the South China Sea. Participants in this simulation engaged in a variety of challenges, such as the difficulties of maintaining a security posture capable of deterring a growing adversary and the balance of strategic objectives with the consequences of escalation. Participants approached diplomatic, intelligence, and economic issues, state bargaining dilemmas, and collective action problems.
SPRING 2018
Frozen Accord
As one of the most strategically vulnerable regions in the world, the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia) play a critical role in European and American security, diplomatic, and economic strategies. Participants had the unique opportunity to grapple with serious questions of national interest through the eyes of the government of the United States and the Russian Federation as they were divided into teams in order to develop their respective policies and agendas. Participants were challenged to work together to develop policy solutions for the concerns of force readiness, nuclear non-proliferation, and escalating tensions, in order to determine the fate of the Baltic region.
SPRING 2018
Faltering Promise​
This simulation examined the tense social, political, and military challenges occurring in Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. Participants handled issues such as regional political conflict; ethnic violence; natural resource insecurity; humanitarian assistance; and collective action problems, such as responses to terrorism. Participants developed strategies in line with other US government offices to develop a comprehensive government strategy to alleviate the pressures that the Horn of Africa faces today.
​
FALL 2017
Rising Tides
​
Strategic Crisis Simulations’ annual “U.S. versus China” simulation, Rising Tides examined the complex maze that actors had to negotiate when dealing with the tense social, political, and military dilemmas currently occurring in the East China Sea. Participants in this simulation engaged in a variety of challenges, such as the difficulties of maintaining a security posture capable of deterring a growing adversary and the balance of strategic objectives with the consequences of escalation. Participants approached diplomatic, intelligence, and economic issues, state bargaining dilemmas, and collective action problems.
FALL 2017
Smoldering Sands
​
Smoldering Sands examined complex U.S.-Yemen relations and challenged participants to keep pace with on-the-ground events and evolving national security priorities in Yemen amid the country's civil war and humanitarian crises. The simulation dealt with terrorist organizations taking advantage of an unsteady government to build their spheres of influence, carving out swathes of territory, and radicalizing populations, while other regional actors clashed to sway the civil war in their favor. Because domestic tension and limited resources prevented the Yemeni government from addressing infrastructure breakdown and public service inadequacies, participants tackled complex, rapidly evolving crises amid these conditions to carry out missions and pursue short and long-term strategies for the region's prosperity.​
​
SPRING 2017
Frozen Accord
Frozen Accord placed participants into variety of challenges in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, ranging from the difficulties of maintaining a collective security posture capable to deter a growing Russian adversary, handling disinformation campaigns, dealing with waves of populism undermining cohesive and succinct defense strategies, and mitigating challenge of government coordination under severe time constraints. The simulation dealt with questions of Russia's military and diplomatic strategies in the region, the general effectiveness of the EU and collective security power of NATO, and the role the U.S. security, diplomatic, intelligence, and economic strategies play in protecting and empowering the vulnerable Baltic region.
​
SPRING 2017
Vanishing Shadow
Vanishing Shadow placed participants in collaborative roles across the Departments of Defense and State, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Together, they worked to develop and maintain U.S. strategic policy across West Africa. Participants addressed challenges such as an illegitimate power grab in Liberia, upending a democratic election; the resurgence of Boko Haram in Nigeria; a refugee and IDP crisis across the region; the environmental consequences of oil spills; and the black market world of smuggled humanitarian goods. The simulation dealt with questions of capacity building and security trade-offs, of bi- and multi-lateral relations; of U.S. security and strategic interests; and of the many pros and cons which must be considered in an effort to do good in the developing world. Participants successfully navigated these difficult issues, crafted creative and unique policies to further U.S. interests, and deepened U.S. strategic ties to West Africa.
FALL 2016
Rising Tides
Rising Tides examined the complex relationship between the United States, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Participants represented the executive, defense, diplomatic, and intelligence components of the various governments, and worked to achieve their countries interests in the region. The simulation dealt with questions maritime authority, emergency relief operations, diplomatic immunity and capabilities, and economic developments. Participants developed tri-lateral agreements, worked with regional governments in order to achieve diplomatic goals, and conducted military operations in order to assert authority and influence over the Taiwan Straits.
FALL 2016
Continental Ties
Continental Ties examined the complex relationship between the United States and Latin America, focusing specifically on Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. Participants represented various elements of the U.S. government, including the Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security; the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and the White House. Working across the interagency, participants addressed a plethora of issues including capacity building, natural disaster response, security cooperation, and the transnational threats of human, weapon, and drug trafficking. The simulation dealt with questions of U.S. influence in the region, political stability and corruption, and targeted killings. Participants developed legislation relating to immigration and border security, provided vital humanitarian aid, and worked to support important allies throughout the event.
SPRING 2016
Impending Storm
This simulation placed participants in roles throughout the Departments of State and Defense, and the U.S. Intelligence Community. Together, participants worked to manage and mitigate an emergent crisis in the Black Sea between Russia and Turkey. Participants provided intelligence support to allies in the region; met with and supported the NATO Alliance; addressed the ongoing terror threats and challenges in Turkey; and supported government stability and diplomatic coordination across the region. The simulation with dealt with questions of security and military alliances, of diplomatic challenges and solutions, and multilateral coordination and collaboration. Participants successfully navigated these complex and growing issues, and worked to mitigate and prevent a Russo-Turkish War.
​
SPRING 2016
Shadowed Horizon
This simulation placed participants in collaborative and action-oriented roles throughout the Departments of State and Defense, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and the United States Agency for International Development. Together, one hundred participants worked in concert to develop a cohesive U.S. foreign policy to address the challenges with nations such as South Sudan, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic, face. Participants negotiated the complex territory around the disarmament and reintegration of child soldiers; engaged in robust security capacity building; tackled the prevalent and growing refugee and IDP crises; and supported the growth of capitalism and government stability across the region. The simulation with dealt with questions of development, of security challenges and solutions, and multilateral coordination and collaboration. Participants successfully navigated these complex and growing issues, and developed a cohesive U.S. policy moving forward in the region.
​
