WHO ARE WE?
This group is an initiative launched by young professionals and students from the Politics Department of the University of Hull.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Its aim is to carry out geopolitical simulations based on current crises around the world. By giving students the opportunity to explore and solve geopolitical problems in a challenging and stimulating environment, we aim to increase interest and knowledge in world affairs. The Crisis Team seeks to explore the real dynamics of warfare; to get behind simplistic popular understandings and gain deep insight into the realities of how policy, violence, human behaviour and technology meet to produce battlefield, campaign, and national-level outcomes.The various simulations are designed to expand and broaden participants’ knowledge and understanding of the conduct of war. They consist of a series of linked sessions and exercises, each analysing a key aspect of contemporary warfare. The crises cover both regular and irregular warfare. They focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of the conduct of war across the spectrum of conflict. Participant numbers will be strictly limited to ensure participatory, interactive events.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR EVENTS?
Although the Crisis Team aims to recruit participants mostly from the student body, everyone is eligible to attend. Students from other Universities are very welcome. The games are useful in increasing knowledge of current affairs and offer opportunities to improve a large range of skills such as strategic thinking, team work, public speaking and so on.
WHAT DOES THE EVENT CONSIST OF/HOW DOES IT WORK?
Crisis game events usually take part over two or three days over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Beginning on Friday evening a lecture is given by a guest speaker who has expert knowledge in the mechanics or area of the world in which this crisis is based and brief overview of the games will be given by a member of the Hull University War Studies Society. Participants will then have the opportunity to get to know each other and chat at a wine reception.
On Saturday morning the games will begin and delegation teams will be assigned their rooms, from here they will have to make decisions and use all of their knowledge and skill to achieve the very best outcome for their group. Rounds last half an hour and are followed by a fifteen minute break where the God Team collate information from all delegations. The delegation communicates their decisions to the God team by way of a chairman who is constantly on hand to offer guidance and advice. After the fifteen minute break all delegations are informed of the outcomes of their choices and then the next round begins. There is a one hour break for lunch and rounds continue until the evening where delegates are invited to enjoy the local nightlife or return home or to accommodation to relax.
On Sunday morning the games continue until the final round. There is then a meeting where the aftermath of the games are explained, each delegation's choices are (often hilariously) analysed and a winning delegation is announced followed by presentation of certificates to all delegations and plaques to the winners.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
Please visit the upcoming games section on the Crisis Team main page. There you will see a brief regarding the game. You must choose a delegation member you would like to play the part of and fill in the form at the bottom of that page. If you would like to play with friends as a team then please collude beforehand and inform us of your choice, however many choose to be embedded in a team of strangers to take advantage of the social aspects of the games.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
Admission to the crisis games costs just £5 per person. Included in the price is full access to the three day event, lunchtime refreshments, wine reception and commemorative certificate.
WHERE DO THE GAMES TAKE PLACE?
The games take place in the Wilberforce Building on the University of Hull campus. It is pleasant, warm, newly refurbished building with modern facilities. Food and drink are available nearby. All delegation rooms have white boards, PC access and projectors.
The Wilberforce Building
University of Hull
Cottingham Road
Hull
East Yorkshire
HU6 7RX
IS PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE SITE?
On Saturday and Sunday parking is free and usually plentiful on the campus grounds or nearby residential streets. On Fridays unfortunately this is not the case, if you are arriving in a vehicle on Friday please inform us as soon as possible beforehand so we can arrange for a temporary permit or other solution.
I’M A STUDENT FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSITY. WHERE CAN I STAY?
Accommodation will be arranged in advance for any participants attending from other institutions. Usually these participants will arrange to stay with a Crisis Team member. A member of the Crisis Team will be available to guide external participants to and around the premises.
IS THIS A FORMAL EVENT?
Semi-formal dress is usually expected at these events, it’s not required however most participants wear suits or business casual clothing. Respectable conduct and behaviour is expected at all times and an atmosphere of professionalism is specifically engendered.
HOW MUCH BACKGROUND INFORMATION DO I HAVE TO KNOW?
It is useful during the simulation to know as much as possible about the context of the crisis, although expert knowledge is not needed. Basic information will be provided to delegates in booklets specific to their delegation. On the day before the simulation, a two-hour lecture will be given on the subject at the university by teaching staff and officials involved in the crisis. Some background reading is recommended, and can be found on this website on the 'Upcoming Games' page.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
Some stationary will be provided but it is important that you bring pens, writing pads et cetera. It would also be useful to have a laptop, tablet or other web-browsing device, in order to write drafts and research information.
