Students practise conflict resolution in a mediation simulation at Santahamina
During the Praxis and Theory of Mediation and Dialogues course, students examined mediation both in theory and practice.
The course taught in spring 2026 consisted of reading materials, lectures and a four-day simulation held at National Defence University in Santahamina in May.
According to Research Director Marko Lehti who teaches in the course, mediation was approached from a broad perspective as the course combined theoretical foundations with guest lectures from experts working in the field of peace mediation. The aim was to provide students with a deeper understanding of mediation and the extent of conflicts.
The course is part of Tampere University’s Master’s Programme in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research.
Simulation at Santahamina
Tampere University organised the simulation held at the end of the course in collaboration with National Defence University, Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (CMI), and Crisis Management Centre Finland (CMC Finland). Students from National Defence University also participated while CMI and CMC professionals supported the simulation as mentors.
“The mentors listened to, advised and supported the students. They have field experience and understand how different actors operate in specific situations,” Lehti explains.
The simulation was based on the Carana training scenario developed by United Nations where participants attempt to resolve conflict situations arising from a civil war in the fictional state of Carana. This was the fifth time the course and simulation were arranged.
During the simulation, students acted as representatives of different organisations and groups, including eg representatives of the Carana government, United Nations and two rebel groups. This year also saw the inclusion of the role of United States Special Envoy for the first time.
Students arranged meetings between the different groups and worked to mediate the fictional conflict. As the simulation evolved, the organisers provided participants with updates and new developments related to the situation .
“The aim of the simulation is not necessarily to achieve peace as such but to experience and understand complex conflict dynamics and how difficult it is to effect real change,” Lehti says.
Collaboration broadens the mindset
Students Ida Karjalainen, Luke Szpunar, Vilma Vuojolahti and T. Beckett Christensen describe the collaboration with National Defence University students as highly rewarding and say that it opened up new perspectives on mediation.
The students really appreciated the opportunity to work with participants from diverse backgrounds since it helped them to think outside their own academic box. According to the students, gaining experience of working with people from differerent backgrounds is highly relevant as real-world mediation also involves diversity.
“I think it is really valuable to cooperate with National Defence University because we often study the same things but just from different perspectives. So, coming together and sharing these different standpoints and world views is really beneficial for both groups,” Vuojolahti says
The students also appreciated the opportunity to broaden their understanding of theory through practical application. The hands-on mediation work during the simulation enabled new insights. Among other things, they noted that the exercise highlighted the importance of setting clear objectives and finding a common ground.
Studies provide insight into conflicts
To some extent, the current global events inevitably influence studies in peace and conflict research. The students noted that case examples used in teaching are often based on current conflicts, and major international developments may be discussed when they are relevant to the topics of the courses.
They also reflected that the deeper understanding of conflicts gained in the studies sometimes makes following current events emotionally more demanding. At the same time, they also have faith in the future, emphasising that their studies equip them with agency and prepare them to contribute to positive change.
“As we leave this program better educated, we will have a deeper theoretical understanding of what goes wrong and can then try to push and influence the next five or ten or fifteen years for the better,” Christensen says.
Both Lehti and the students emphasise the importance of peace and conflict research in society. While much attention is currently focused on security, the field offers a broad range of perspectives to the public debate.
“It is not just about preparedness since we should also consider how we might reduce violence in the world,” Lehti concludes.
