The Gibraltar Crisis
An International Relations and Diplomatic Simulation
Sovereignty. Security. Artificial Intelligence. Power.
Can you negotiate a way out of crisis?
A serious maritime security incident in the Strait of Gibraltar triggers an international crisis. As competing governments exchange accusations, an increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence system begins producing intelligence that could fundamentally alter the course of events.
The system, designed to monitor maritime activity and identify potential security threats, has become an integral part of regional surveillance and intelligence infrastructure. But when it begins generating conflicting reports, misidentifying vessels, and issuing increasingly urgent warnings, governments are forced to question the reliability of the information on which their decisions depend.
In this immersive one-day simulation, students assume senior political, diplomatic, military, and corporate roles as the crisis unfolds. They must assess emerging intelligence, navigate competing national interests, negotiate with international counterparts, and make consequential decisions under pressure.
As events develop, students will confront the challenges of modern international security, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber warfare, intelligence operations, maritime security, military deterrence, and international law. They must balance national security, economic interests, and diplomatic relationships while seeking to prevent a regional incident from escalating into a wider international confrontation.
Combining academic instruction with an interactive crisis simulation, the programme offers an opportunity to explore the realities of international relations, strategic decision-making, and emerging security technologies beyond the classroom.
Learning Outcomes
The programme combines academic instruction with practical application across eight key areas.
1. International Relations & Geopolitics: explore the foundations of international relations, the interests of sovereign states, great-power competition, and the dynamics of regional security
2. Sovereignty: examine Gibraltar's constitutional status, self-determination, the UK's relationship with Spain and the EU, maritime jurisdiction, and the principles governing international disputes
3. European & Transatlantic Security: understand the strategic importance of the Strait of Gibraltar, the roles of Britain, Spain, the European Union, and NATO, and the principles of collective security and military deterrence
4. Artificial Intelligence & Autonomous Systems: examine how AI is transforming intelligence gathering, surveillance, threat assessment, and military decision-making, including the risks of algorithmic error, compromised systems, and excessive reliance on automated recommendations
5. Cyber Warfare & Intelligence Operations: explore cyber threats, information manipulation, intelligence assessment, misinformation, and the challenges of distinguishing reliable evidence from deliberately misleading information
6. Military Strategy & Maritime Security: consider naval operations, freedom of navigation, strategic infrastructure, maritime surveillance, and the management of military escalation
7. International Law & Diplomacy: examine the legal and diplomatic frameworks governing international crises, the role of international institutions, negotiation strategies, and the management of competing national interests
8. Strategic Decision-Making & Leadership: develop the ability to evaluate incomplete information, assess risk, manage uncertainty, negotiate under pressure, and make decisions with significant political, economic, and security consequences
Programme Details
Easter 2027
One-day | Live | Online
Date: Saturday 3 April 2027
Time: 10:00am–4:30pm UK time
Format: live online, highly interactive, small-group simulation
Cohort: limited to 12 students
Who It’s For: students in Years 10–13 with an interest in politics and international relations, as well as gap-year students and undergraduates
Fees
Standard: £200
Includes the full-day Simulation, all teaching and course materials, and a digital certificate of completion.
Enhanced: £300
Includes everything in Standard, plus:
One-to-one mentorship session
Personalised CV and LinkedIn feedback
Access to catch-up recordings, where required
Transferable skills & Career insight
Students gain exposure to career pathways in international relations, diplomacy, government, law, defence, intelligence, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, technology, and international business.
The simulation will also develop transferable skills in leadership, teamwork, negotiation, critical thinking, communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Students will gain experience working in teams, presenting arguments, defending strategic positions, and negotiating with counterparts holding competing interests.
The programme will provide valuable career insight into international relations, diplomacy, government, law, security, economics, and international development, while enabling students to build connections with like-minded peers.
Expert-led Instruction
The programme is led by experienced professionals with backgrounds in international relations, diplomacy, security, risk intelligence, and military strategy.
The teaching team brings together complementary academic and professional experience, including:
International Diplomacy & Government: senior diplomatic experience within European foreign services with a focus on international cooperation and regional affairs
Security & Risk Intelligence: senior professional experience managing geopolitical, security, and third-party risks operations for a major international corporation, including work on strategically significant projects
Academic & Research Expertise: academic backgrounds at the University of Oxford and King's College London, with research interests spanning international relations, military strategy, contemporary conflict, and political history
University Teaching & Professional Practice: experience teaching at the University of Oxford and King’s College London, conducting specialist research and advising on security, integrity, and operational risks in complex international environments
Drawing on direct experience in diplomatic service, regional security, and international relations, the programme will provide students with practical insight into the political, commercial, and security considerations shaping contemporary geopolitics in Europe and beyond.
How the Day Is Structured
10:00–11:00
An Introduction to International Relations, European Geopolitics & Global Security
11:00–11:15
Simulation Briefing & Delegation Assignments
11:15–12:15
Crisis Simulation – Round I: The Maritime Incident
12:15–13:00
Crisis Simulation – Round II: Conflicting Intelligence
13:00–14:00
Lunch & Interim Debrief
14:00–14:45
Crisis Simulation – Round III: International Escalation
14:45–15:15
Crisis Simulation – Round IV: The AI Threat
15:15–16:00
Final Negotiations & Resolution
16:00–16:30
Debrief, Reflection & Professional Skills
The Simulation
A crisis at the crossroads of Europe, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean.
The simulation is set against the backdrop of Gibraltar's strategic position and its relationship with the United Kingdom, Spain, and the European Union.
Students are assigned to delegations representing key political, diplomatic, military, and commercial interests. Each receives confidential briefing materials outlining their objectives, priorities, constraints, and understanding of the developing situation.
As the crisis unfolds, students receive new intelligence reports, diplomatic communications, and unexpected developments. They must evaluate the available evidence, determine how to respond, and negotiate with other delegations while balancing domestic and international pressures.
Delegations
Students are assigned to teams representing principal interests:
United Kingdom: national security, sovereignty, defence, and diplomatic relations
Gibraltar Government: local security, self-determination, economic stability, and the interests of Gibraltar's population
Spain: national security, territorial interests, maritime jurisdiction, and regional stability
European Union: treaty arrangements, diplomatic coordination, and European economic security
NATO: allied security, intelligence assessment, and military de-escalation