About PAXsims

The PaxSims blog is devoted to the development and effective use of simulation-based learning concerning issues of conflict, peacebuilding, and development in fragile and conflict-affected states, as well as to the policy application of gaming and simulation techniques. We welcome comments.

Editors

Rex Brynen is Professor of Political Science at Mcgill University, where he specializes in Middle East politics, development, and security issues. He has served as a member of the Political and Security Policy Staff of the (Canadian) Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as an intelligence analyst for the Privy Council Office, and as a consultant to CIDA, the International Development Research Centre, the World Bank, United Nations agencies, and others. In 2011 received the International Studies Association’s Deborah Gerner Innovative Teaching Award for his work with classroom simulations.

Gary Milante is an economist for the World Bank working on many aspects of development in the presence of conflict and fragility, and was part of the project team for the World Development Report 2011 on  conflict, security, and development. For the last two years he has co-led development of the Carana simulation for use in the operations course at the Bank.  Additionally, he enjoys game play and design.

All opinions posted by Gary are his alone and should in no way be construed as those of his employer.

Contributors

PAXsims also welcomes guest contributions. Among those who have contributed in the past are:

Have a piece that you would like considered for inclusion on the website? Email us!

2 Responses to About PAXsims

  1. Peter Dawson 17/09/2009 at 3:02 pm

    As the principal author of Pearson Peacekeeping Centre’s scenario products, I was very interested to read this blog, which one of my development staff brought to my attention. It might be interesting at some point to share some ideas regarding the modeling and simulation of complex peace operations.
    The PPC has hovered on the edge of the simulation world for some time, with a general interest in applying proven C4I training simulation technologies to less “kinetic” aspects of conflict and conflict resolution. The technical side of the development is outside our present skillset, however I think we would have both the ability to research the real-world data and some insights into the complex relationships that would drive the algorithms for such a simulator.
    A major issue seems to be the modeling and simulation of the human behaviours which underlie what actually happens on the ground. One must always be cautious about attempting to quantify the unquantifiable. From a market analysis perspective, the competing product is, of course, a real human being making the calls. I am not sure that any of this can be fully automated for exercises, etc., especially when direct face-to-face interaction is one of the vectors of influence between the training audience and the outside world.

  2. Rex Brynen 23/09/2009 at 5:00 pm

    Peter:

    Thanks for your comments. I tend to agree about the comparative advantages of human-moderated simulation. On the other hand, it is undoubtedly the case that technological advances, coupled with the ability to create “realistic” software-based training packages that can be disseminated throughout large organizations (such as the US Army) without requiring extensive human support resources, will create incentives to make increasing use this approach.

    From an academic point of view, I’m also interested in the way algorithm-based simulation design forces us to think, in a theoretical way, about what it is we identify as the drivers of insurgency, stabilization, peacebuilding, development, and so forth… and, on the flip side, what it means if we don’t reflect adequately on the models that we’re building into the simulation.

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