2002-2003 Winners' Week Simulation

Justifications For and Against the Use of Force in Chechnya
An Exploration Through Track-Two Diplomacy

Each year students who come to the Washington, DC National Peace Essay Contest Awards Program participate in an exercise simulating key themes from the year's essay question. This summer students will participate in a problem solving workshop involving discussions between Russian and Chechen members of civil society on the conflict in Chechnya.

Students, while playing the role of Russians and Chechens, will listen to the viewpoints of others and consider these viewpoints as they explore the needs and interests of the two peoples as well as conditions and situations that may possibly justify violence and the use of force.

Internet links for electronic resources that will enhance students' knowledge of the conflict in Chechnya are available at:

www.usip.org/library/regions/chechnya.html