April 9

Exam Preparation

• The exam may not contain unexpected questions, but it will ask to explain and analyze concepts. Expect questions like, "What is strategic…?"

Participation in Exercises

• High levels of engagement were noted among students, exemplifying the effectiveness of simulation as a pedagogical tool.
• Commonality in engagement: 80-100% involvement from students in simulations, emphasizing the ability to think on feet and respond to other groups.
• Ensure to self-reflect on strengths and weaknesses after participation:
• Identify positive contributions and areas for improvement.
• Assess feelings about performance during the exercises.

Learning from Simulations

• The simulation exercise developed negotiation skills critical for future careers, such as:
• Identifying interests
• Understanding official and unofficial game rules
• Expressing and protecting interests in group scenarios.

Realism in Strategic Studies

• Realism as a dominant theory in strategic studies:
• Understand why realism appeals as a theoretical approach; it addresses conflicts in international behavior.
• Engage with other theories (post-structuralism, liberalism, Marxism) that critique realism.
• Conflict versus cooperation: Students noted different dynamics, such as cooperation between Russia and Turkey, but eventual conflicts that arose later.

Gender Dynamics in Games

• Significant shifts in gender roles within international relations observed:
• Leading players were female, contrasting historical norms.
• Reflects broader societal changes and challenges traditional narratives in strategic studies.
• Gender studies literature indicates ongoing discussions about how male and female leaders are perceived.

Power Dynamics and Anarchy

• Anarchy as a state where no overarching power exists:
• Importance of forming strategic alliances and the need for power consolidation.
• Example: Russia's success was influenced by maintaining strategic advantages and