navigate: business between superpowers

The scenario

Students take leadership roles in the governments of ‘middle powers’ — countries whose prosperity depends on doing business with rival superpowers. As tensions rise between China, Russia and the United States, they must decide what their country will offer, where it will draw the line, and how to protect domestic businesses, jobs and economic security without being pulled into another power’s orbit.

What it involves

  • Analysing their country’s economic strengths, dependencies and vulnerabilities

  • Assessing how tariffs, sanctions and export controls will affect domestic businesses

  • Responding to fast-moving geopolitical developments

  • Developing a coherent trade and industrial strategy

  • Negotiating with superpowers and other middle powers

  • Explaining and defending their decisions in a press conference

Who it’s for

Undergraduate and master’s students, particularly those studying international business, economics, politics, international relations or management. You’ll need a minimum of 12 students to participate.

What students will take away

A practical understanding of how tariffs, sanctions, and political pressure affect businesses, jobs, and investment — and why leaders are often forced to choose between competing risks rather than a single right answer.

Why I should consider it for my students

If you want your students to understand how geopolitics shapes commercial decisions — while practising strategic thinking, negotiation and leadership under pressure — this is the simulation to choose.

What it costs

The full simulation runs for three days (6 hours per day). It costs £10,000 + VAT for us to run it in-person, on your campus. We can also adapt the simulation to fit with your schedule, creating either a one- or two-day programme. We price these bespoke sessions after discussing with you what you need.