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363-1050-00L 3 Credits DS , MSC D-GESS , D-MTEC

Simulation of Negotiations

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Michael Ambühl, Dr. Andreas Knobel
Limited number of participants. Students who wish to register for this course have to apply no later than 18 September. Please send your application to Andreas Knobel: , additionally register in mystudies (technical note for the registration: All registered students will initially be placed on a waiting list).
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Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:49:06

Abstract

The Global Studies Institute (University of Geneva) is organizing a simulation seminar on Nagorno-Karabakh in collaboration with MGIMO Moscow (TBC) and the Chair of Negotiation and Conflict Management (ETHZ).

Objective

Students will have the possibility to participate in simulated diplomatic negotiations and to analyse and assess the negotiation logic behind the situation. During the course, they should gain insight into the negotiations between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the international community, as well as negotiation techniques in general.

Content

In the lectures, students will be provided with basic information related to Nagorno-Karabakh. The historical, military, economic and political dimensions, including the various treaties and existing agreements and their evolution will be analyzed. Students will as well participate in an introduction on negotiation techniques, particularly on the negotiation engineering approach. On the basis of the comprehensive analysis, negotiation scenarii will be developed and subsequently tested during a two-day simulation exercise. The simulation exercise will be prepared with the help of experienced negotiators and experts. The simulation exercise is intended for Masters degree and PhD students. The course will be taught in English. The project is headed by Prof. Micheline Calmy-Rey and Prof. Nicolas Levrat, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva. Students who wish to register for this course have to apply no later than 18 September 2021. Please send your (brief) application with your background and motivation to Andreas Knobel: [email protected] , additionally register in mystudies (Technical note for the registration: All registered students will initially be placed on a waiting list.) The homepage for this course with more information is located at: https://necom.ethz.ch/education/simulation-of-negotiations.html . Students from ETH Zurich and MGIMO will participate in the seminar sessions via video conferencing. They will go to Geneva for the simulation exercise on 2 and 3 December 2021. There will be two exercise sessions (see separate course 363-1050-01L). Date | Time | Topic (Location) GE = University of Geneva; VC = Video conference (ETH main building: HG D22) 28 September | 10:15-12:00 | Introduction (VC) 5 October | 9:15-12:00 | Introduction to Negotiation Engineering (VC) 12 October | 10:15-12:00 | Scenarii and random drawing of teams (VC) 19 October | 10:15-12:00 | TBA (VC) 26 October | 10:15-12:00 | TBA (VC) 2 November | 10:15-12:00 | TBA (VC) 9 November | No session (Reading week, but see exercises) 16 November | 10:15-12:00 | TBA (VC) 23 November | 10:15-12:00 | Preparation (VC) 2-3 December | 08:00-17:00 | Simulation (GE) 7 December | 10:15-12:00 | Debriefing (VC)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
EvaluationI. Active participation in class (50%)1. Attend all seminar sessions either in person or via video conference and actively participate in discussions.2. Participate in person in the session of 29 October and in the two-day simulation exercise (28/29 November);3. Do the required readings and regularly read international newspapers (e.g. Financial Times, The New York Times, The Economist, NZZ).II. Texts to be submitted before, during and after the simulation (50%)1. Before the simulation: Prepare a 4-5 page summary of your group's negotiating mandate, including a description of the positions of all the parties (group evaluation).2. During the simulation: Draft and present an introductory and final statement (group evaluation).3. After the simulation: Prepare a report on the negotiation outcomes to the organization, state or region you represent (3-4 pages) and a press release (max. 1 page). The report and press release are individually evaluated.

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
21.09.2021

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Simulation of Negotiations
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Irregular lecture Additional dates: 2./3.12.2021, University of Geneva
  • Tue 10:15-12:00 (HG D 22)
  • 05.10 Date 09:15-10:00 (HG D 22)
  • 02.12 Date 10:00-17:00 (Ex te rn)
  • 03.12 Date 10:00-17:00 (Ex te rn)
36 h semesterly

Offered In