South Asia Crisis Simulation Exercise 2.0

Abstract

This exercise builds upon the findings of the first iteration of the event, held March 19-22, 2013, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The project will explore the fundamentals of regional military crises and escalation thresholds, as well as the role of the international community in crisis management and prevention. Lessons learned from this event will help identify escalation ladders, bridge strategic communication gaps, and nurture areas of cooperation among the United States, India, and Pakistan. The simulation will be set in a conjectural geopolitical scenario in the year 2020. The scenario will emphasize cross-domain crisis escalation (land, sea, and air) and examine nuclear force deployment and employment pressures. Discussions and deliberations will take place at the operational/strategic level, as opposed to the tactical level.