The Peace Support Operations Model: Strategic Interaction Process

Abstract

Modeling complex social interaction creates a number of challenges for the strategic analyst. Firstly, the fundamental basis of an operational model has to be based on rational and verifiable metrics, but recognize that human interaction in the real world is often irrational and is rarely verifiable. Secondly, the evolving discourse between factions almost always influences the ongoing process of interaction — often creating entirely new modes of interaction as the scenario unfolds. Our solution was to continue to base the Peace Support Operations Model (PSOM) Operational Game on verifiable metrics and create an interaction process designed to include those modes of interaction that are ill-suited to structured analysis and better addressed by processes that can adapt to shifts in strategic emphasis. The PSOM Strategic Interaction Process thus follows the same turn-based design as the Operational Game, but creates a framework for political interaction and the recording of faction intent as the game proceeds.

Game for Peace: progressive education in peace operations

“…The developers of the PSOM define two levels of decision-making within the game structure: the Strategic Interaction Process (SIP) and the Operational Game. 17 The SIP provides a framework by which the political and diplomatic dimensions can be integrated into the exercise to shape the overall strategic environment. The Operational Game describes the process by which game participants make decisions, assign actions to units, evaluate observed changes and effects seen within the simulated environment, and modify unit actions in follow-on decision cycles as the game progresses.…”

“…To create the Game for Peace , we selected the Operational Game process as described by the PSOM developers. 17 We modified the process in order to create an exercise that would engage the Kyrgyz and Kazakh military officers and allow them to practice and explore staff decision-making and analysis for a UN PKO.…”

“…This paper provides a summary of the development and application of a new simulation-facilitated gaming exercise designed to support a United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) course presented to the Kyrgyz Separate Rifle Battalion in Bujum, Kyrgyzstan, October [17][18][19][20][21]2011, and the Peacekeeping Brigade of the Kazakhstan Army (KAZBRIG) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. October [17][18][19][20][21]2011.…”

“…October [17][18][19][20][21]2011. The course was part of the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) and was organized by the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the designated United States Partnership for Peace Training and Education Center (USPTC).…”