Border Dispute: The Temple of Preah Vihear

Competing claims to a sacred Buddhist temple site along the border of Thailand and Cambodia fuel a tense dispute between the countries in this negotiation simulation. Representing various stakeholders, students will attempt to resolve the long-standing conflict and keep the two nations from being pulled into a destructive war.

This simulation will put students in the roles of Thai and Cambodian government and military leaders, as well as religious leaders, ASEAN officials, and representatives from UNESCO. Together, they must try to address the security, religious, and economic concerns behind the dispute over Preah Vihear, a site of religious and cultural significance within contested territory along the Thai-Cambodian border. Appropriate for courses on geopolitics, negotiation, or international conflict, among others.

A scenario is provided along with a private role sheet to give students additional information about their assigned role's positions and interests. This simulation includes an opportunity for students to develop, debate, and vote on specific proposal plans to address the issues in the scenario. Students build proposal plans using a series of pre-loaded options. This simulation emphasizes long-term negotiation; however, it offers the instructor opportunities to bring in elements of crisis response within the larger framework.

The ICONS Project wishes to thank Dr. Sara Glasgow and her University of Montana Western students for their work on the initial version of this simulation.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.