Teaching IR theory in Westeros: The Game of Thrones simulation

This article offers a novel perspective to undergraduate teaching through a fantasy-themed International Relations (IR) theory simulation based on the widely popular TV Series Game of Thrones. Going beyond the prevailing academic literature, the article makes IR theories an integral component of simulation gameplay enabling students to wear distinct theoretical lenses and gain firsthand experience on how different theories engage with world politics. This also helps them develop their own narratives to represent theoretical perspectives during simulation facilitating theory learning and retention of knowledge. Accordingly, the article first discusses the prevailing literature on IR simulations and then provides the simulation overview, the structure, and the gameplay. The article then focuses on participant interviews to assess the viability of the simulation in student learning. Conclusion evaluates its portability and limitations. Overall, the article claims that the Game of Thrones simulation enables students to gain a theoretical reflexivity by simultaneously engaging with multiple theories during gameplay, advances student learning, and facilitates long-term retention of knowledge.