Futures

Rethinking Wargames: From Conflict Simulation to Nonviolent Solutions, (from page 20230827.)

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Summary

The text explores the evolution of wargames from traditional conflict simulations to alternative models that emphasize nonviolent conflict resolution and critical thinking. The author reflects on their childhood fascination with wargames and critiques contemporary military simulations for being outdated, often modeling scenarios that don’t address modern complexities. By highlighting innovative wargames designed by artists like Yoko Ono and Ruth Catlow, the author advocates for games that foster cooperation and understanding rather than competition. The piece argues for the necessity of evolving wargaming practices to incorporate diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving strategies, ultimately promoting a more humane approach to conflict resolution.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Evolving Wargame Models Wargames are evolving towards models that emphasize negotiation and peace over traditional conflict. Shift from traditional wargames focused on violence to those promoting collaboration and peace. Wargames could focus on conflict resolution, encouraging players to find nonviolent solutions. Growing recognition of the need for peaceful conflict resolution in an increasingly violent world. 5
Alternative Conflict Resolution Games Games like Ono’s and Catlow’s promote nonviolent strategies and challenge traditional conflict notions. Transition from competitive, violence-based games to those that encourage cooperation and understanding. New games may redefine competitive play, fostering social awareness and collaboration among players. Desire for social change and innovative approaches to global challenges through gaming. 4
Public Engagement in Wargaming The idea of involving the public in wargaming to influence real-world outcomes. Move towards including public voices and experiences in the wargaming process. Wargaming could become a platform for public discourse, influencing policy and community decisions. Growing demand for inclusivity and representation in decision-making processes. 4
Sensory and Aesthetic Game Design Games incorporating multiple senses and aesthetics challenge conventional gameplay. Shift from traditional visual-centric games to those engaging players’ senses in novel ways. Future games may prioritize sensory experiences, leading to deeper emotional connections and understanding. Desire for richer, more immersive gameplay experiences that resonate on multiple levels. 3
Critique of Traditional Wargaming Criticism of mainstream wargaming for reinforcing outdated conflict models and demographics. Recognition that traditional wargaming fails to address modern complexities of conflict. Wargaming could diversify its approaches, reflecting a broader range of perspectives and experiences. Increasing awareness of inclusivity and the need for diverse narratives in gaming. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Simplistic Conflict Models Relying on outdated wargame models may perpetuate limited views of conflict resolution, leading to ineffective real-world strategies. 4
Normalization of Armed Conflict Continuous engagement with traditional wargames could normalize armed conflict as the primary solution to disputes, discouraging alternative methods. 4
Lack of Diverse Perspectives Wargaming culture often marginalizes diverse voices, limiting creative problem-solving approaches in conflict scenarios. 5
Misrepresentation of Conflict Traditional wargames may misrepresent the complexities of modern conflict, leading to poorly prepared military and political strategies. 5
Resistance to Change A rigid adherence to conventional wargaming practices may hinder the exploration of innovative, non-violent conflict resolution techniques. 3
Desensitization to Violence Engagement in violent gaming scenarios could desensitize players to the realities and horrors of warfare, affecting societal views on conflict. 4
Overemphasis on Competition Focusing on winner-take-all outcomes in wargames could intensify competitive mindsets, reducing cooperation and negotiation in real-world situations. 4
Cultural and Historical Bias Wargames often reflect and propagate historical biases and narratives, potentially skewing public perception of conflict and history. 3
Ineffective Training Training military personnel primarily through traditional wargames risks inadequately preparing them for modern, asymmetric warfare challenges. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Rethinking Wargames Exploring alternative models for conflict resolution in wargames, focusing on creativity and nonviolence. 5
Sensory Engagement in Games Incorporating multiple senses in gameplay to shift perspectives and enhance understanding of conflict. 4
Collective Conflict Resolution Engaging players as part of a collective in problem-solving, moving away from adversarial roles. 5
Public Participation in Wargaming Encouraging the public to act as players and influence outcomes through nonviolent strategies. 4
Creativity in Conflict Solutions Utilizing unconventional strategies for conflict resolution that challenge traditional military models. 5
Transcending Traditional Conflict Models Evolving wargame rules and expectations to foster critical thinking and diverse perspectives. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Interactive Wargaming New forms of wargaming that integrate nonviolent conflict resolution and negotiation instead of traditional combat scenarios. 5
Sensory Board Games Games that engage multiple senses, such as the scented chess, enhancing the aesthetic experience of gameplay and altering player perception. 4
Digital Conflict Simulation Digital adaptations of traditional games like chess that incorporate contemporary social issues and multiple player perspectives. 5
Alternative Conflict Resolution Models Wargames that promote peace and negotiation, challenging traditional views of armed conflict and power dynamics. 5
Creative Tactical Performance in Games Incorporating unconventional strategies, like using mimes for social behavior change, into wargaming to explore new solutions. 4
Participatory Wargaming Models that allow public involvement in gameplay, enabling grassroots engagement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Evolving Wargame Models The need for wargames to adapt and include nonviolent, creative conflict resolution strategies instead of traditional violent paradigms. 5
Inclusivity in Wargaming Culture The critique of wargaming’s predominantly white male demographic and the push for diverse perspectives in gameplay and design. 4
Alternative Conflict Resolution Techniques Exploration of unconventional methods for resolving conflicts, such as community engagement and aesthetic experiences. 5
Impact of Wargames on Real-World Conflict Perception Wargames shape perceptions of conflict, potentially leading to a limited view of conflict resolution as primarily violent. 5
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Game Design Using insights from various fields to inform wargame design, including sociology, psychology, and the arts. 4
Role of Public Participation in Wargaming The potential for public involvement in wargames to influence outcomes and promote peace. 3
Critical Thinking in Conflict Simulation Encouraging wargames to foster critical thinking rather than solely competitive strategies. 4