UTRECHT INSTITUTE FOR CRISIS AND CONFLICT SIMULATION
UTRECHT INSTITUTE FOR CRISIS AND CONFLICT SIMULATION

Matrix Games

(Matrix) Gaming the impact of COVID-19 and China’s Belt and Road Inititative (BRI)

We at UICCS create, facilitate, play and analyse games and simulations that evolve around geostrategic issues, crises and conflicts. Games and simulations are recognized methods for analysis and forecasting, as well as tools for training and assessing students, lecturers, diplomats, negotiators, commanders and peacebuilders around the world. Our games and simulations have found their way into fields as diverse as history, politics, secret intelligence, military studies, grand strategy, and business consultancy.

During 2020 and 2021, we have ‘played’ and analysed the impact of COVID-19 on the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative in Asia and the Middle East. You will find scenarios for our matrix games on Hong Kong, the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea on the following pages.

Background, Methodological Approach & Forecasting: An audiovisual Introduction to Mapping, Matrix Gaming, and COVID-19’s impact on the BRI in the Bay of Bengal. © Sabine Hillen