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Simulating Peace: A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in Action

By Irmuunbileg Uitumen

On April 21, 2025, in a dynamic session of the International Conflict Resolution (INRE404) course taught by Ms. Oyunsuren Damdinsuren, students participated in a hands-on peace game simulation. The activity was facilitated by a SPSIRPA alumna Ms. Zolzaya Nyamdorj, who currently serves as a board member at the Mongolian Peacebuilding Institute (MONPI).

The primary objective of the simulation was to explore practical strategies for peacebuilding starting at a micro level. Students were divided into seven groups, four representing fictional countries and three acting as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The focal issue of the peace game was the implementation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Participants received detailed background materials a week in advance, including geopolitical briefings, their assigned group’s stance on the treaty, and contextual information about international relations. This preparatory work laid the foundation for an immersive and informed experience as students had to prepare for the peace game as a team and build strategies on how to successfully reach their desired outcome.

Ms. Zolzaya opened the session by briefing participants on the simulation’s rules and structure. The peace game unfolded in several rounds. The initial rounds focused on introducing the representatives of each country to one another, during which the representatives engaged in bilateral talks to familiarize themselves with one another’s stance and interests whilst the NGOs followed along countries taking notes. Following this phase, the NGOs entered the stage presenting proposed conclusions regarding the treaty research findings, expressing their interests, and outlining their concerns.

With the groundwork laid, the simulation shifted into a series of multilateral meetings involving countries and NGOs. One of the NGOs took on the role of a mediator, facilitating dialogue and encouraging collaborative approaches to treaty negotiations. During this stage countries discussed and negotiated their concerns for renewable energy technology, transitions from fossil fuel to renewable energy, as well as geopolitical issues, and national security. Through this interactive format, students gained firsthand experience in navigating complex diplomatic dynamics, building consensus, and balancing national interests with global sustainability goals.

As the simulation progressed toward its conclusion, the four country groups drafted their action plans. Most of these plans demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that no party’s interests were overlooked nor sacrificed. The participants emphasized the value of peace, and the complexities involved in sustaining it. Each group voted democratically on their final proposals, embodying the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that underpinned the entire exercise.

The peace game not only deepened students’ theoretical understanding of conflict resolution but also offered valuable insights into the practical challenges of diplomacy. It underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue, active listening, and compromise in addressing global issues such as fossil fuel dependency and the transition to renewable energy.