International
21.11.2018

Implementation of “Kodori” simulation game with international diplomats

As part of the “10th International Diplomatic Re-invitation Programme” 17 diplomats and participants of the International Parliamentary Fellowship Programme took part in our simulation game Kodori at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin.

On the 16th of November we conducted our simulation game "Kodori" with 17 diplomats and participants of the International Parliamentary Felllowship Programme at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin.

The simulation game “Kodori” deals with a post-conflict situation. After years of growing tensions between the Beelinians and the central government in Gavarush, an armed group the “Kodori Liberation Army” (KLA) started its fight for independence with attacks on Gavarushian governmental institutions and infrastructure. The success of the KLA led to a breakdown of governmental control over parts of the region and resulted in a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people had to flee. After tough negotiations under the lead of international actors, the warring parties agreed to a cease-fire and a provisional Peace Treaty. However, many questions were left unanswered, all connected to the central question of how to rebuild a sustainable peace in the region.  

The simulation game starts four weeks before the former peace-keeping mandate expires. The UN initiated a conference, where the most important actors come together and re-negotiate a peacebuilding plan for the region. Thus, the task for the participants was to develop a roadmap for the future of Kodori. The main topics of discussion were: the status of the autonomous region and power sharing; the deterioration of the situation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

During the simulation, we intended to create a save space for the participants to take on different roles and challenge their understanding of the dynamic nature of conflict, its complexity and the capacities of the international community to resolve conflict. In doing so, the participants were faced with the chances and obstacles of sustainable conflict transformation processes. Furthermore, they were able to develop and test alternative problem-solving approaches.

After the game, an evaluation took part, in which the participants were able to reflect about the process and their learning outcomes. These included an improvement of their negotiation skills, as well as a deeper understanding of the complexity of post-conflict contexts. During the reflection it became obvious, that the participants had to think about how to treat spoilers, how to deal with hidden agendas, and what the first steps to a sustainable peace agreement are. In conclusion, the fictional scenario of "Kodori" was a helpful way of discussing possible peacebuilding solutions in an experimental environment.