May 4, 2025

Dear Educator,

You asked, and we answered: All of CFR Education's simulations are now available in one place!

Put your students in the shoes of policymakers through extended simulations—which can be run for several days or weeks—and mini simulations, condensed one- to two-day case studies.

Explore the new hub

CFR Education simulations help students gain crucial skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

In this newsletter, you'll explore how simulations can be used when teaching current events, history, or hypothetical situations, through examples such as:

Remember: There are no right or wrong answers in actual policy deliberations, and none here, either. Students will walk away from this experience with an appreciation for the complexity of policy questions.

Happy learning,

Caroline Netchvolodoff

Vice President, Education
Council on Foreign Relations

“CFR Education simulations allow students to experience social studies content in a meaningful way that connects them to the real world and makes them think critically about the challenges of today and the future.”

— Bernard McCauley, Great Valley High School (Pennsylvania)

Respond to the News with Simulations

Simulations are an excellent way for students to discuss current events in the classroom without taking a stand. By assigning different roles and perspectives, your class can explore the issue's nuances and develop well-supported arguments for each position.

Case Study: Kashmir

Hostilities between India and Pakistan have intensified after a deadly militant attack in the contested Kashmir region killed twenty-six people on Tuesday.

Use this simulation to help your students understand the news and the situation's complexity by putting them in the shoes of the United Nations Security Council.

Try it now

Educator tip: Teaching about current events can be intimidating. Here are five best practices to help as you equip your students to engage with today’s most pressing global issues.

Go Back in Time

Make history lessons more engaging by putting your students in the room where it happened.

With historical simulations starting as early as 1807, your class will learn about how the decisions made in the past inform the world they know today.

Case Study: Korean War

In this extended simulation, students must advise President Truman on whether to extend the U.S. military intervention north of the 38th parallel in an attempt to unify the Korean Peninsula.

As with all extended simulations, there is also a student-facing version that contains a guide, case notes, and other helpful resources.

Try it now

Educator tip: Looking for more historical simulations? This curated set of mini simulations covers significant foreign policy moments in U.S. history.

Test the Hypothetical

Looking at the 'what ifs' of the world isn't just a theoretical exercise; it is how policymakers ensure they are prepared for any situation.

Hypothetical simulations will teach your students about the complexities of policymaking while asking them to think critically about the future.

Case Study: Preparing for the Next Pandemic

While it's been over five years, your students most likely still remember the early days of uncertainty when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Is the United States prepared for another pandemic?

Ask your class to put themselves in the shoes of the National Security Council as they deliberate potential options and weigh the costs.

Try it now

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