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Dungeons and Dictators: A Role-Based Simulation of Authoritarian States.

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Title: Dungeons and Dictators: A Role-Based Simulation of Authoritarian States.
Authors: Keener, Robert1 rkeener4@vols.utk.edu
Source: Journal of Political Science Education. Jan-Mar2026, Vol. 22 Issue 1, p158-178. 21p.
Subject Terms: *Simulation games in education, *Active learning, *International relations, Authoritarianism, Democracy
Abstract: This article introduces the simulation "Dungeons and Dictators", a role-playing simulation designed to mimic the logic of authoritarian states. While teaching democracies and international organizations is more intuitive, as their instruction allows for examples such as students voting or participating in model international organizations, most instruction on authoritarianism does not capture the complexities within authoritarian states. This article introduces the simulation, outlines best practices for its classroom application, identifies key teachable moments, and analyzes results from two trial classes. What makes this simulation different from others is the emphasis on individuality, various victory conditions, and the high ceiling for fun and organic situations. The students are assigned various roles in a hypothetical authoritarian state, with different objectives, and encouraged to think laterally and creatively to accomplish their goals. In both trial runs, the actions of the students were remarkably consistent with international relations theory regarding authoritarian states, civil wars, and interventionism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Political Science Education is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Dungeons and Dictators: A Role-Based Simulation of Authoritarian States.
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  Data: This article introduces the simulation "Dungeons and Dictators", a role-playing simulation designed to mimic the logic of authoritarian states. While teaching democracies and international organizations is more intuitive, as their instruction allows for examples such as students voting or participating in model international organizations, most instruction on authoritarianism does not capture the complexities within authoritarian states. This article introduces the simulation, outlines best practices for its classroom application, identifies key teachable moments, and analyzes results from two trial classes. What makes this simulation different from others is the emphasis on individuality, various victory conditions, and the high ceiling for fun and organic situations. The students are assigned various roles in a hypothetical authoritarian state, with different objectives, and encouraged to think laterally and creatively to accomplish their goals. In both trial runs, the actions of the students were remarkably consistent with international relations theory regarding authoritarian states, civil wars, and interventionism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Journal of Political Science Education is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1080/15512169.2025.2511921
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Active learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: International relations
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Authoritarianism
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      – SubjectFull: Democracy
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              Text: Jan-Mar2026
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