NCJ Number
70273
Date Published
1979
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This scenario was prepared for use in a planned exercise in negotiations with terrorists holding hostages and was used in preparing a simulation script for the International Society of Political Psychology.
Abstract
The game involves a control group and four teams representing the governments of Arcadia and Laconia, the terrorists, and the hostages. Separate instructions, not contained in this paper, are to be given to control. Arcadia, which has a relatively relaxed posture concerning terrorism, has once been occupied by troops from a neighboring country, Laconia, and has just arrested three members of the principal Laconian terrorist group, one of whon was connected to the earlier kidnapping of an Arcadian industrialist. Laconia, on the other hand, is portrayed as having assumed a leading international role in combating terrorism using special legislation, a special paramilitary commando force, and a large intelligence network abroad. The terrorists are portrayed as a group with eroded capabilities and a loss of credibility at home. In a simulated incident, the terrorists seize hostages from both Arcadia and Laconia, including personal friends of high ranking officials in both governments and, by luck, Laconia's ambassador. Considerations from the perspective of both governments, the terrorists, and the hostages are presented and various questions and options are posed. As the play begins, the terrorists have barricaded themselves in a room with the hostages, two cabinet level crisis teams have convened, and Laconian commandos are ready to move in on the terrorists. At the same time, the hostages are making an offer, through a terrorist guard, to the leader of the terrorists.