Teaching international crisis management: military simulation applied in a classroom

ENSimulations are increasingly gaining traction as an interactive teaching tool in international relations (particularly in the U. S.), with objectives ranging from enhancing negotiation skills to gaining practical experience in institutional dynamics. This article explores the use of an online crisis simulation in a course focused on international security, demonstrating how a scenario adapted from an actual military table-top exercise can be effectively used in an education environment. As an active learning tool, online crisis simulations enable students to negotiate and engage complex security issues through role-play. Using a scenario reflective of the current Baltic regional security dynamics has been particularly helpful in actualizing the theoretical concepts taught in the course and showing their practical applicability in a context that students are familiar with. Drawing on student and instructor feedback of using this simulation in several European universities over the past five years, the article shows cross-cultural and cross-regional relevance of hybrid threat scenarios. Keywords: Online simulation, crisis management, active learning, gamification.