Politics and International Relations students represent Westminster in Model NATO simulation

Three Politics and International Relations BA Honours students represented the University of Westminster at the seventh annual British International Studies Association (BISA) Model NATO. The model NATO simulation gave students the chance to step into the world of diplomacy for the day, offering an immersive, fast-paced experience focused on decision-making on NATO's eastern flank.

Held at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 25 February, the Westminster team represented Slovakia and focused on navigating the strategic tensions between neutrality and alignment.

The event was welcomed by CEO of BISA Juliet Dryden and Model NATO Academic Lead at the University of Birmingham Professor Mark Webber. This was followed by a virtual talk from UK Ambassadors to NATO, Angus Lapsley and Ingrid Southworth, who gave students advice on negotiation skills and how to get the most from the day.

The day focused on enhancing deterrence and defence on NATO's Eastern flank. Each participant represented a different NATO ally and had prepared by researching their assigned country's resources, priorities and political stance. Students were asked to work in committees, where their main task was to collaborate on a set of practical actions and then participate in the voting at NATO's highest decision-making body.

The event provided a practical introduction to multilateral diplomacy and strengthened participants' negotiation and policy-writing skills, giving students the opportunity to develop professional skills to support their career journey.

Dr Greg Aasen, Academic Lead for the Westminster delegation, said: "It was really great to see the students engage with the simulation and to apply their knowledge in a series of defining contributions."

Politics BA Honours student David Colville said: "We gained invaluable insight into how multilateral negotiations unfold in practice. The setting, especially the Locarno Suite, was stunning. The pace was intense, and negotiations were challenging, but as the sessions progressed, we found our rhythm and began working more efficiently towards common ground. Model NATO deepened my understanding of NATO's internal dynamics and opened my eyes to potential career paths in the Foreign Office and diplomacy - a field I had previously ruled out."

Another student, Wissal Bahanniss, who received an honourable mention for her commitment as a delegate in the North Atlantic Council, added: "Representing Slovakia reminded us that even smaller states can exercise influence strategically. By building unity with countries whose interests aligned with ours, we were able to collaborate effectively and contribute meaningfully to amendments."

Highlighting the value of the wider experience, Charlene Okai added: "Beyond the formal proceedings, the opportunity to meet such thoughtful and driven participants made the experience even more valuable. It was lovely to meet so many students from different universities across the UK."

The trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about Politics and International Relations courses at the University of Westminster.

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