USC School of International Relations hosted its very first ISCNE (International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise) conference from September 16-17, 2016. Participants included undergraduates, professional graduate students at USC, and members of the military.

ISCNE is a strategic game exercise run by the U.S. Army War College. It spans two days, and participants simulate decision-making over an international territorial dispute. There are seven delegations representing various nations around the world, each with a delegation mentor who guides participants through the process.

The ISCNE at USC involved the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This state in northern India has long been at the heart of a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. USC participants negotiated over this territory, connecting it to other issues areas like water, nuclear weapons, and humanitarian aid in the region. Though the delegations were unable to directly resolve the conflict, they agreed to meet again to keep negotiating (a very realistic outcome). Through issue linkages, the delegations were able to reach an agreement on nuclear weapons between India and Pakistan, which will mean greater strategic stability in the region.

Following the simulation exercise, Trojans who participated had very positive reviews of their experiences. 94% of the USC participants said they were ‘very likely’ to recommend ISCNE to a fellow student. 91% of USC participants believed they “absolutely’ walked away from the simulation having learned important skills and information that could not have been picked up through regular coursework. Finally, 9/10 USC participants replied “Definitely Yes” when asked if USC should host another ISCNE in the future.

This was the best and most fun exercise I have had in my 5+ years in college as an undergraduate and graduate student.

-USC Masters in Diplomacy Student

I had an amazing experience with the ISCNE exercise… I found myself completely immersed and excited throughout.

-USC Senior, SIR