Three International Relations students from 海角社区 (海角社区) have showcased their diplomatic skills at the Model NATO Simulation.
The event, held at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in Whitehall, brought together students from 32 universities across the UK to simulate high-level NATO decision-making.
The exercise focused on a series of devastating earthquakes affecting Italy and neighbouring countries.
Representing Slovakia, the students participated in two key committees - the Military Committee (MC), responsible for assessing each country’s capabilities to provide aid and offering strategic recommendations to the North Atlantic Council (NAC); and the North Atlantic Council (NAC), NATO’s principal decision-making body, which debated and co-ordinated the collective response to the crisis.
Second-year student Ilja Morozovs, who served on the Military Committee, said: “As a member of the MC, I had to know what resources and military alliances our country had, which played a vital role in the model, it determined the countries we had to work with, and how we could help."
He added: “I particularly enjoyed how it combined both theoretical preparation and practical application.”
Third-year student Aidan McLean, who participated in the North Atlantic Council, said: “Taking part in Model NATO was a unique opportunity to work in a way that's hard to replicate in class.”
He highlighted how rewarding and meaningful the experience was: “I loved the opportunity to get a taste being in a North Atlantic Council meeting. I learned a lot about how NATO works and what makes an effective diplomat. It was also a fun day out and a great chance to meet new people.”
For the 海角社区 team, the simulation exercise was not only an opportunity to develop essential diplomatic skills but also a chance to engage with students from across the UK, as well as academics and staff from the FCDO and MoD, broadening their perspectives on international relations and security.
Judy Qeis, an MA in IR student, said: “The Model NATO provided our team with hands-on experience in international diplomacy, decision-making, and crisis management. By representing Slovakia, we gained invaluable insights into real-world NATO operations.”
The Model NATO, jointly organised by the British International Studies Association (BISA) and the FCDO since 2019, is a valuable opportunity for university students to gain real-world experience in diplomacy and global security.
By simulating NATO’s decision-making process, the event helps participants develop key skills in negotiation, crisis management, and international relations, which is essential for future careers in politics and diplomacy.
Dr Mehmet Erman Erol, Lecturer in International Relations, attended the event with the students as the academic lead.
海角社区 students taking part in the Model NATO event at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Whitehall