A joint event between UNL POLS Department, IC Scholars, professionals from the military, and academic experts focusing on uncertainty in international politics across the domains of institutions, technology, and conflict. We will explore these topics both in discussion-based panels and an extended simulation/tabletop exercise.
Thursday, November 20th, Day 1, UNL Campus Union, Unity Room:
9:00-9:15 Welcome address
9:15-10:30 Uncertainty in Institutions Panel
The world order is in a state of flux. As the United States' role continues to shift, institutions are sure to follow. How might the many international regimes including alliance structures, economic organizations, and human rights commitments be impacted by these changes in an uncertain world order? This panel includes:
a. Sarah Atwood Barma, expert foreign service diplomat (USAID)
b. Jill O'Donnell of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
c. Jon Pevehouse of the University of Wisconsin-Madison
d. Moderated by Tyler White of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:00 Uncertainty in Technology Panel
Technological innovation continues at a breakneck pace; from generative artificial intelligence and quantum computing to increasingly effective cyber weapons and space-based enterprises. How might advances in technology, and the needs for the resources that drive them, look in an increasingly uncertain international order? How might these critical technologies impact the United States' relationship with our many vital allies and potential adversaries? This panel includes:
a. Vivek Chilukuri, Center for New American Security
b. Charlotte Tschider of Loyola University Chicago
c. Paul Weitzel of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law
d. Moderated by Elsbeth Magilton of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law
12:00-1:00 Lunch and conversation at the UNL Campus Union, Unity Room; food options available within and near the Union
1:00-2:00 Keynote address, Vivek Chilukuri, Center for New American Security
2:00-2:15 Break
2:15-3:30 Uncertainty in Conflict Panel
War continues in its dual role as tragedy and a tool in international relations. How might the continuation and arguable resurgence of war as statecraft manifest in a more uncertain world? How might the intensifying possibility of a takeover of Taiwan influence United States' foreign policy in East Asia? How might the United States navigate the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other theaters? This panel includes:
a. Deborah Avant of the University of Denver
b. Hein Goemans of the University of Rochester
c. Sara Mitchell of the University of Iowa
d. Moderated by Ross Miller of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
3:30-4:00 Wrap-Up for Day 1, Preliminary Information Given for Day 2 TTX
Friday, November 21st, Day 2, UNL Campus Union, Unity Room:
9:00-9:30 Welcome address/Introduction to the Simulation
9:30-11:30 Simulation Part I
Set in 2030, this simulation delves into uncertainty across the domains we discussed Day I. Specifically, what might happen with intensifying nuclear tensions in East Asia? How would hypersonic missile delivery systems impact North Korea’s ability to destabilize the region? What if Japan has become a nuclear power, and South Korea considers following this route? How might volatile private military companies cause further chaos in a precarious Taiwan? How would China react considering these developments? How would the USA, and critical allies in the region including Australia, Japan, and South Korea behave in this environment of flux?
a. Students and experts will be assigned actors to roleplay as in this highly uncertain scenario. We will collectively seek to further our understanding of the impacts of uncertainty on international politics, through realistic roleplay and decision-making enterprises.
11:30-12:30 Lunch and conversation at the UNL Campus Union, Unity Room; food options available within and near the Union
12:30-3:30 Simulation Part II
a. In part II, we will continue to explore uncertainty through evolving conditions and threats. Students and experts will have the opportunity to work toward solving these critically important and immensely difficult problems.
3:30-4:00 Debrief, Takeaways and final discussions
4:00-4:30 Farewell Address