Assessing Bias in the Statecraft IR Simulation

The Statecraft IR simulation has received a significant amount of attention in the pedagogical literature. Some instructors have asserted that Statecraft is biased toward the behavior and learning goals of realism, calling into question the utility of the simulation as a teaching tool. Using thirteen iterations of the simulation we empirically evaluate the number of points earned by each team, grouped on a scale of realist-idealist ideology. Our results show no statistical difference between realist and idealist groups in total number of award points or any specific award goal. Rather, we find Statecraft is a versatile simulation that allows instructors to emphasize and students to pursue both realist and idealist objectives.