28 November 2007

Dundee students tackle Balkans crisis

Politics and International Relations students at the University of Dundee are today setting their minds to tackling one of the world's major impending international situations - that of a declaration of Kosovan independence.

The fourth-year students are taking part in a Balkan Crisis Simulation game with teams representing France, UK, USA, France, Germany, the UN, and the EU. The game deals with a looming crisis over Kosovan independence, an issue which is already exercising the minds of diplomats around the world.

"This is very much a real issue and one which is going to test the international community once again," said Professor Alan Dobson, Director of the Institute for Transatlantic European and American Studies at the University.

"Our game is based on real information tracked until Monday, after which the students have had to take on the role of the international powers and see how the situation maps out. It is a valuable exercise for the students as this is exactly the sort of thing which is used to train diplomats, and the simulation really does test their mettle."

The game is part of a new module developed under a strategic initiative offered by the University three years ago aimed at encouraging innovative teaching.

The game is due to finish at 3 pm today at which time some of the students will be available for interview and photographs.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk