From Wargaming to Peacegaming: Digital Simulations with Peacekeeper Roles Needed. Issue 2 (14th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dorn, A. Walter; Webb, Stewart; Pâquet, Sylvain
• Is Part Of: International peacekeeping. Volume 27:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 289
• Page End: 310
• Publication Date: 2020-03-14
• Subjects: Digital games -- peace operations -- simulation -- training -- United Nations; International police -- Periodicals; Peacekeeping forces -- Periodicals; 327.172
• DOI: 10.1080/13533312.2020.1721287
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-3312

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Militaries around the world have benefited from computerized games. Many recruits have been attracted to the military through military-style video games. After recruitment, games and simulations provide an important means of soldier training, including before actual deployments. However, electronic games are lacking for UN peace operations. The multidimensionality of peacekeeping has yet to be simulated in serious games to complement the many games that too often depict a binary battlefield of blue-team versus red-team (or, often in public games, good versus evil). Not only could soldiers benefit from nuanced and ambitious peace-related games, so too could civilian peacekeepers, and the public at large. Peacekeeping gaming should not be merely at the tactical level; the operational and strategic levels can be gamed as well. The decision-making in future peacekeeping simulations could help instruct conflict-resolution and critical thinking skills. The paper posits that such digital games could be an important tool for current and future peacekeepers, both military and civilian. Commercial games could also help educate the public on UN peacekeeping. The paper suggests that the United Nations partner with some member states and perhaps the video game industry to provide in-depth training simulations that mirror the challenges and complexities of modern peace operations.