I played the role of a member of the Department of State of the United States of America. This was an interesting and unique role to have, as often in IR we are trained to approach affairs from a more global way of thinking, thus playing as America seemed almost easy in comparison.
I felt very prepared for the simulation, as we hit on a number of topics and ideas that we have analyzed this year in class. I saw a number of theories we had learned, such as the conflict of realism and liberalism, in practice during the simulation
The United States was ultimately able to accomplish the goal of achieving both a long and short term solution to the conflict on the Gilbia-Budan border and the ongoing Rubit refugee crisis. We were able to achieve a relatively strong victory as a result of the composition of the summit – the United States, Gilbia, an American ally, and UNHCR and ARM, both sympathetic to a peaceful, democratic solution, combined balanced out the Budanese and Malilian side of the argument. While convincing the UNHCR and ARM to back our proposal required some concessions, they were naturally closer to us than to the other side, and Budan made a critical error in allowing the summit to be composed of 66% parties which were naturally against their actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the simulation. What proved to be the most interesting facet was how completely everyone fell into their roles, which made it all the more interesting and realistic. Everyone took it very seriously and dedicated a great deal of effort to their goals.
I struggled with the transition from realist to liberal thought, as my initial ideas to partition Budan were unacceptable to the summit.
If I could change anything, I would add a Rubit delegation and perhaps countries surrounding Budan, as they would have been affected as well.
I learned that in IR, there must always be compromise. I also had the idea of democratic peace theory reinforced for me.