The class will combine readings, documentaries and seminar discussion with an overall focus on exploring the problems and choices faced by the decision makers both at Versailles and at the major Second World War conferences through board game simulations which are built around a "coopetition" model. Cooperative vs. confrontational, political vs. military - even espionage - options will be available to players. Teams of students will have to balance pursuing their usually incompatible geostrategic interests with the imperative of either achieving a lasting peace (Versailles) or winning the war against the Axis powers.

At the end of the course, students will be asked to write an assessment as to whether or how strategic simulations have helped to deepen their understanding of key events in the history of 20th century wartime and postwar diplomacy.