Simulation
Suez Canal Crisis: National Sovereignty versus International Access to Waterways
On July 26, 1956, Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nassar nationalized the Suez Canal, intending to take control of the canal’s operation and its revenue.
International Wildlife Trafficking: Plight of the Pangolins
Customs officials at the border between the countries of Keneselles and Trangalia have reportedly intercepted a large shipment of pangolins. Coveted for their meat and scales, the mammals face endangerment and extinction because of illegal trafficking in the region.
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Simulation Scenario
Customs officials at the border between the countries of Keneselles and Trangalia have reportedly intercepted a large shipment of pangolins. Coveted for their meat and scales, the mammals face endangerment and extinction because of illegal trafficking in the region. The surging pangolin trade has outraged the neighboring country of Bengkano, where the pangolin has cultural significance. In response, the United Nations Environmental Program has called a meeting with representatives from Bengkano, Keneselles, Trangalia, the United States, and the non-governmental organization League of Endangered Animal Protectors to address the issue of pangolin trafficking.
In this hypothetical simulation, students will take on the roles of key stakeholder as they negotiate a diplomatic solution to this wildlife trafficking crisis. The exercise will develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, persuasive communication, and global competence.
Wildlife Trafficking as a Global Challenge
Wildlife trafficking, or the illegal poaching, transit, trade, and sale of wildlife, generates more than $10 billion a year for transnational organized criminal networks. This illegal trade has devastating impacts: it threatens security, undermines the rule of law, fuels corruption, hinders economic development, pushes species to the brink of extinction, contributes to the spread of disease, and robs local communities of their natural resource base. How can the United States and other global leaders work to protect endangered species and the communities that rely on them?
Role of the State Department
The U.S. Department of State leads the formulation of U.S. policies to address international threats to the environment, including wildlife trafficking. It coordinates interagency efforts to strengthen global enforcement, reduce the demand for illegal wildlife products, and expand international commitment across a range of multilateral, regional, and bilateral forums. In working to prevent wildlife trafficking, the State Department helps protect the natural resources and ecosystems upon which all nations rely for survival and sustainable economic growth.
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