Abstract
Little Golano is a simulation-game constructed as a teaching-tool for the topics of conflict analysis and resolution, collaboration, negotiation, mediation and international law. It is set in a scenario that is primarily fictitious -- but still blends in and incorporates real events, history and detail, forming a ‘pseudo-reality': a situation familiar enough to spark interest, motivation and identification, yet controlled and delineated to allow for maximum learning and skill-building.|The background scenario depicts a fictional dispute between the United States and Mexico, over a piece of land claimed by both countries. Claims to the land go back a hundred years, to a fictional war between the countries and the fictional treaty that ended it. Underlying this presenting issue is a broad range of national and local interests, which must be resolved in order for a peaceful solution to be reached. However, power imbalances, as well as time pressure, present major obstacles to resolution. A team of UN mediators convenes negotiating teams from each country, in an attempt to reach a negotiated settlement.|Designed for dedicated and committed participants, Little Golano engrosses participants in the simulated environment for a long period of time, ranging between one to three days, or from about six to sixteen hours. This investment engenders three potential learning outcomes: In-depth understanding of the complexities of managing international conflict; Advanced skill-building in conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation skills; (optional) Experience with the nuances of categorizing, researching, pleading and negotiating issues of international law.