The Resource Curse: Emerging Markets in South America

Students navigate global markets and local politics in this high stakes negotiation simulation! Multi-national corporations compete to gain access to Bolivia’s coveted lithium deposits, while the Bolivian government aims to strike a deal that will satisfy internal stakeholders and provide the economic boost the country so desperately needs.

Cast as French and Chinese business executives, Bolivian government officials, union representatives, and indigenous leaders, participants take part in a complex negotiation to determine the future of lithium extraction in Bolivia. Throughout the contract negotiations, teams attempt to shape the bids to meet their role’s interests. Appropriate for courses in resource politics, international business, or negotiation, 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 (or bids) to address the issues in the scenario. Students build bids using a series of pre-loaded options. Teams also attempt to influence the path of the negotiation by taking various actions that can trigger the release of pre-loaded news stories and intelligence reports. In addition to standard tools for facilitating the simulation, instructors also have access to a series of optional news stories to send out as injects in order to highlight the role media can play in influencing the debate.

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.