Gamification in International Relations Lab

The GIRI-hub (Gamification in International Relations Lab) at the LusoGlobe Centre serves as a cutting-edge platform for research and collaborative analysis, focusing on the development and evaluation of wargames and crisis games. These serious games are instrumental in training and enhancing the strategic and operational understanding of decision-making processes and the intricate outcomes of various paradigms and choices. The project operates on interconnected levels, each linked to distinct cooperation schemes.

Firstly, in collaboration with the Portuguese National Defense Institute (IDN), the GIRI-hub contributes to the Portuguese Educational Referential for Security, Defense, and Peace. This initiative involves designing simulations for use in public schools to foster a culture of peace and defence awareness, thereby educating the next generation on critical security issues.

Secondly, the GIRI-hub integrates researchers into cyber and artificial intelligence agendas essential for security awareness. This project facet adopts a human rights perspective, addressing the intersection of technological advancements and human conditions. Moreover, the GIRI-hub functions as a transversal discipline, integrating the Lab into various curricula to promote a multidisciplinary approach to research on its primary themes. This integration enhances the educational impact and broadens the scope of research in international relations and security studies.

The GIRI-hub also collaborates with Uppsala University, a key partner in funding applications to FCT and other agencies, further extending its research capabilities and collaborative networks. Additionally, the GIRI-hub partners with Brazilian Defense Colleges (ECEME, ESD, EGN) in developing the AJAPT (Agents Joint Assessment and Planning Tool). This tool, authored by Sabrina Medeiros, Ana Paiva, and Cintiene Mendes, represents significant advancements in the international field of wargaming. It is showcased and actively cooperated on within the International Studies Association wargaming workshop group, which includes prestigious institutions such as Berkeley, MIT, and others.

AJAPT Software and Method - Agents Joint Assessment Planning Tool