Gaming Solutions to Global Problems

June 8, 2017

As a senior international researcher at RAND, David Shlapak has led research on topics ranging from counterterrorism to nuclear strategy. As the codirector of the RAND Center for Gaming, he designs and plays games to explore U.S. national security strategy, the evolving East Asian and European security environments, and defense planning. In this Call with the Experts, David Shlapak talks about how serious games can help find solutions to global problems. Media relations director Jeffrey Hiday moderates the call.

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  • Events @ RAND Audio Podcast

    The Serious Role of Gaming at RAND

    RAND uses gaming techniques to develop insights into a host of 21st century challenges. In this Events @ RAND podcast, David Shlapak, codirector of the RAND Center for Gaming, discusses the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of using gaming in research.

    Mar 23, 2017

  • David Shlapak

    Gaming and Public Policy: Q&A with David Shlapak

    David Shlapak discusses how using games in research can help improve decisionmaking across a wide range of areas, including national security, health care, and climate change.

    Aug 11, 2016

  • Globe on a chessboard

    How Can Gaming Help Test Your Theory?

    The act of designing a game will force you to articulate your theory or to be more specific about it. It will also require you to operationalize your variables and theoretical constructs of interest into a specific context, and prompt you to anticipate the ways in which it may play out in that scenario.

    May 18, 2016

    Yuna Huh Wong

  • Map of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

    Wargaming the Defense of the Baltics

    A series of wargames examined the threat Russia may present to the three Baltic republics. As currently postured, NATO could not defend the territory. What might be done to prevent Russia from attempting to reclaim it?

    Feb 1, 2016

    David A. Shlapak, Michael Johnson

  • Members of the 183d Air Operations Group conduct simulated battle operations during exercise Virtual Flag, December 2015

    Getting the Most Out of Your Wargame

    Some famous historical wargames offer a compelling narrative of what wargames can be at their best and worst, but they cannot illustrate the full range of contemporary wargaming that leaders should strive to achieve. A better understanding of how wargames can be helpful — or backfire — is critical.

    Jan 26, 2016

    Elizabeth M. Bartels