Simulating humanitarian aid decision making in international relations classrooms

Abstract

Simulations are an excellent way to introduce and reinforce complex topics for both novices and experienced students in an international relations class. One such topic, the provision of aid in a humanitarian crisis, can be taught through the use of collaborative and active-learning techniques found in a simulation. This article presents a simulation for an international relations course that models and illustrates the challenges that well-meaning decision makers face when determining an appropriate international response in a humanitarian crisis. © 2012 American Political Science Association.