Around the world, democracy is under threat, buffeted by political and economic forces that inflame public opinion, challenge democratic institutions, and pressure democracy supporters and human rights defenders. When these conflicts come to a head, the actors in these dramas — government officials, opposition political leaders, human rights groups, student protesters, regional and international powers, and more — must make decisions in real time that may have significant implications for their country’s future, as well as their own individual safety and security and that of their families.

Drawing on its three decades of experience navigating such conflicts in hotspots around the world, and leveraging its experience developing public education programs, EWMI is piloting a U.S. high school-based simulation program that will allow students to play the roles of key actors in a democracy crisis as it unfolds. The scenarios for the simulations will be based on real actors in real countries.

The objectives of the program are threefold: (1) Build understanding among students about the ways in which democracy can come under threat; (2) Allow students to develop their problem solving, strategic communication, and negotiating skills; and (3) deepen the understanding of students of a particular country and region they may be unfamiliar with.

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Support the pilot project

EWMI is raising funds to support a March 2027 pilot run of the simulation in selected high schools in Nebraska in partnership with the Nebraska Bar Foundation. Your donation will allow the EWMI team to develop the scenario and simulation materials, make post-pilot adjustments to the approach in collaboration with the moderators and the Nebraska State Bar Foundation, and support a wider roll-out in additional states. 

You can make a secure donation through the form below or by visiting our GiveLively campaign page. If you prefer to send your donation by mail, checks should be made out to the East-West Management Institute, Inc. (indicate “Frontlines” in the memo line) and mailed to: East-West Management Institute, 909 Third Avenue, Unit 1167, New York, NY 10022.