Review Essay: Global Models: A Review of the Guetzkow Festschrift

In: Journal of peace research, Band 22, Heft 4, S. 371-376

Abstract

This review article appraises the state of simulations research in the light of the Guetzkow Festschrift. Three broad sets of criticisms are raised concerning contemporary international relations simulations. The first criticism con cerns the extent to which many models see international relations as inter-nation relations. The second concerns the extent to which foreign policy analysis has become the focus of attention whereas global perspectives with regard to major problems are lacking. The third concerns the positivist view of models which requires traditional concepts of validity such that reality is seen as constant and models are changed to fit reality. In this regard the example of war games is used to illustrate the interactive and intentional nature of immersed models. The article suggests a reorientation of international relations simulations toward an intentional interacting perspective, and the involvement of a broad range of individuals and groups in such interactive model/realities.