The instructions as written are for simulations of the National Security Council (NSC). They apply to present day and hypothetical simulations, as well as historical simulations set in 1947 or later. The NSC Roles & Goals sheet contains details about the membership of the NSC and their goals in meetings.
For additional background on the NSC's purpose and membership, see What Is the National Security Council?.
The National Security Council (NSC) was established by the National Security
For simulations of other countries (real or imaginary), you can also have students simulate the cabinet of that country. The Generic Cabinet Roles & Goals sheet contains details about the membership of a generic cabinet and their goals in meetings.
The UN Security Council differs from the NSC and cabinets in several ways:
- It is a voting body, so after discussion, students should vote on what to do. Decisions must receive approval from 9 of the 15 members. The five permanent members—the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom—all have veto power.
- Members represent countries, so instead of bringing the perspectives of different jobs or departments, students will need to consider what is in the best interest of the country they represent.
- Five countries are permanent members, while the other ten positions are rotating with two-year terms.
There is no Roles & Goals sheet for the UN Security Council. You can find the current membership online. Students should research their country’s position on the issue under consideration.
For additional background on the UNSC, see What Is the UN Security Council?.
The North Atlantic Council, the policymaking body of NATO, is similar to the UN Security Council. It is made up of all NATO members, so students will be representing countries. However, the North Atlantic Council operates by unanimity: participants must vote on decisions and NATO will only move forward with a policy if everyone votes yes. As with the UN Security Council, there is no Roles & Goals sheet for the North Atlantic Council. You can find the current membership online. Students should research their country’s position on the issue under consideration.