Responding to Genocide in Darfur: The U.S. Inter-Agency Process

Expose students to the challenges of inter-agency coordination in response to a complex armed conflict and humanitarian crisis. Simulation participants represent U.S. cabinet departments and agencies seeking to further organizational agendas, while simultaneously striving to meet U.S. policy objectives in Darfur, Sudan circa 2006.

The four roles include the major U.S. foreign affairs agencies (Department of Defense, Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Central Intelligence Agency). Set in 2006, the simulation tasks these agencies with working together to develop, articulate, and advance policy recommendations to the U.S. president regarding the situation in Darfur, Sudan. Participants engage in discussions and negotiations across the inter-agency, with the aim of presenting a unified set of three “courses of action” recommendations to the president at the end of the simulation.

Instructors take an active role in sending news updates (pre-loaded) and other messages in this simulation to provide additional realism and present key decision points for participants. A scenario is provided along with a private role sheet to give students additional information about their assigned role's positions and interests. Appropriate for courses in public policy, American government, crisis decision-making, and foreign policy, among others.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.