Year
2014
Abstract
The International Safeguards Regime, being so multi - faceted, can be overwhelming to those first introduced to its many components. The organizers and lecturers of workshops and courses on nonproliferation often provide a series of independent lectures and must somehow demonstrate the cohesive and effective nature of the system. An exercise titled The Secret Objective Standoff was developed to complement lectures with hands - on learning to assist participants in bringing all the many components (I nternational A tomic E nergy A gency [ IAEA ] agreements, export controls, treaty obligations, international diplomacy, etc.) of the International Safeguards Regime together. This exercise divides participants into teams that are assigned the role of either a country or th e IAEA and asks that they fully immerse themselves in their roles. The teams are then randomly assigned three unique and secret objectives intended to represent realistic and current geopolitical scenarios. Through construction, trading, or hoarding of fou r resources (experts, technology, money, and uranium), the teams have a finite number of turns to accomplish their objectives. Each turn has three phases : random dispersal of resources, a timed discussion during which teams can coordinate and strategize wi th others, and an action phase. In the action phase, teams inform the moderator individually and secretly as to what they will be doing that turn. The exercise has been tested twice with Oak Ridge National Laboratory personnel and has been conducted with o utside participants twice ; in each case the experience was well received by all participants and instructors. This exercise provides instructors the ability to modify the exercise before or during gameplay to best fit their educational goals. By offering a range of experiences, from an in - depth look at specific components to a generalized overview, this exercise is an effective tool in helping participants achieve a full understanding of the International Safeguards Regime.