Summary

Joint Action Plan is a simulation constructed as a teaching tool for international security relations, nuclear stability, and cross-cultural negotiations. It is based on the negotiations between the international community and Iran and is set against the ongoing crisis in the Middle East which is characterized by multiple strategic competition between different countries. It provides students with an opportunity to analyze complex international security issues and apply their skills in a multi-cultural negotiation simulation. The central components of the simulation are six disputing parties with varying degrees of interests set in a volatile and complex scenario. Each party is from a different culture with its history, beliefs, characteristics and behavior which ultimately affect negotiation style and outcomes. Parties must understand the importance of the issues under negotiation, not only in depth but also on the broader implications of geopolitics. Participants must grasp how to negotiate with others from different cultures to construct a collaborative negotiation process and achieve successful outcomes with their perceived adversaries. Detailed simulation setup, management instructions and a guide to the effect of culture on negotiations have been provided.