Surrey team take part in Model NATO competition
A team of three politics students from Surrey participated in the fifth annual Model NATO competition run by the British International Studies Association (BISA) in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The three politics and international relations students who took part were Constantine O'Brien, Kyle Hamilton and Noshi Ali Shaikh and they represented the UK, with Con and Kyle winning ‘The Most Authentic Delegation in the Military Committee' award. The crisis simulation centred around an environmental disaster, including earthquakes resulting in large scale loss of life, significant casualties and displaced people. Participating teams had to agree by consensus a collective NATO response to the unfolding disaster. They said:
"BISA NATO 2024 simulation was an energetic, optimistic and collective exercise to promote the general mechanism of NATO. Crucially, it demonstrated the core of diplomatic relations among states that operate within an international organisation such as NATO, highlighting the compromise and leadership required for success by actors.
"As an international relations student, not only was it a great honour to be hosted by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, NATO BISA 2024 granted me the great privilege of applying my academic training to a crisis simulation, maturing my perspective on international affairs."
"The model NATO event has been by far the most interactive and engaging extracurricular event of my degree. Not only was it an excellent opportunity to develop an array of skills but a fulfilling insight into the closed-door world of diplomacy. The event was held in the Foreign Office and it was supported by a wealth of knowledge, including an established NATO journalist and Senior British Military Commander who happily answered questions and gave advice.
"It was an honour to bring an award home for the Department alongside Con for our work on the military committee and a privilege to work alongside our excellent college Noshi on the North Atlantic Council. I can’t thank Dr Chappell enough for all her support in organising and supporting us in this event.
"I would recommend any student to take the leap out of their comfort zone and jump at this opportunity when it comes around!"
"Model NATO was an incredible experience filled with debating, negotiating and networking. I had an incredible time getting to develop my public speaking and negotiation skills and really learn what it is like to be a diplomat in crisis contexts."
Senior Lecturer in European Politics, Dr Laura Chappell (pictured with Kyle, Noshi and Con), accompanied the Surrey team and said “Model NATO provides students with a fantastic opportunity to gain a substantive insight into crisis decision-making, NATO and the country they represent, and enables them to develop a range of professional transferable skills including negotiation and decision-making. On the day students work with FCDO diplomats, alongside their colleagues from other universities. Con, Noshi and Kyle rose to the challenge of representing the UK and performed extremely well.”
