Simulating Two-Level Negotiations

International negotiations can be modeled as a two-level process that involves competing interests within and between groups. This modified simulation of the classic prisoner’s dilemma introduces students to the negotiation process and challenges them to consider how different decision structures can affect outcomes. Students fill both leadership and negotiation roles and gain an active learning experience that exposes them to important international relations concepts. All of the instructions, handouts, and materials are included to provide instructors of international relations or comparative politics with a resource that can be utilized with groups of varying size, ability, and composition