UN Sanctions Reform - The Watson Institute for International Studies

Workshop on UN Sanctions 16-17 July 2004
The simulation exercise received a score of 8.3. Regarding the construction of the
scenario, some participants expressed an interest in role-playing, or structuring the
discussion in other ways. Suggestions include adding “two opposing sides in the group...
regardless of one’s position on the hypothesis” or giving participants “mock instructions”
and asking them to “defend a national position.” However, others praised the workshop
for fostering an “objective approach ... far from the national background position” and
stated that the “free and informal discussions allowed people to express their own views.”
Another characterized the discussions as “frank and open.”
Describing the value of the workshop for their future planning, participants wrote that it
provided a “good incentive to for further in-depth involvement in sanctions” and was
“excellent training for all members of the Security Council.” All participants agreed that
they would be willing to attend another workshop.
Regarding the workshop duration, a majority of participants (18 of 29) thought that a
slightly longer amount of time might be devoted to the workshop. The remainder of
participants considered the day and a half length of the conference to be satisfactory.
The background paper and other support materials received a score of 8.6. The Watson
Institute administrative support, facilities, and the food and accommodations, received
scores of 9.8, 9.7 and 9.2 respectively.
Suggestions for future workshops included ensuring that the target audience includes
those with little or no training on sanctions issues. Further, regarding the simulation
exercise, participants suggested using an existing resolution (or a past case) as the starting
point, and integrating regional organizations more effectively. A number of participants
agreed that simulation briefs (and the manuals themselves) should be mailed in advance
of the workshop to permit participants a more considered response. Finally, numerous
participants expressed interest in receiving copies of the “Sanctions CD” used during the
exercise.
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