Reducing Youngstown’s Violence Through A Game

John Hunter with students engaing in the World Peace Game

Imagine: A game for students in the Youngstown City Schools from the age of 8-18 (3rd grade to senior year in high school) which is based in geopolitical scenarios. This is not a video game or anything like that, but something similar to the war games that the world’s militaries “play” (simulate is a better word than play), which is designed to teach them conflict resolution skills. Of course a by-product would be that they learn how the governments of the world interact and the ins and outs of geopolitics, but the main goal would be that they gain valuable conflict-resolution skills that carry over into life.

In an age where violence among youth continues to be a pressing concern, innovative methods for teaching conflict resolution are essential. One such method is the World Peace Game, created by educator John Hunter. Originally conceived as a teaching tool in 1978, the World Peace Game has evolved into a globally recognized model for fostering deep critical thinking, empathy, and cooperation in young people. At its core, the game challenges students to address complex global issues peacefully, making it a potential cornerstone for youth violence prevention initiatives.

The World Peace Game is a hands-on political simulation that puts students in the role of global leaders. Participants are tasked with navigating crises, resolving conflicts, and finding solutions to both imaginary and real-world problems like war, poverty, and environmental degradation. The game uses a multi-layered board representing countries, economies, and resources, and the objective is for all nations to achieve peace and prosperity. However, this can only be accomplished if the students, working in teams, learn to negotiate, collaborate, and compromise.

How the World Peace Game Teaches Conflict Resolution

The brilliance of the World Peace Game lies in its ability to immerse young people in the complexities of leadership and diplomacy. Participants are required to engage in role-play where they must consider the perspectives of others, think strategically, and make decisions that impact the collective good. Through the process, students experience the challenges of resolving conflicts, navigating misunderstandings, and balancing competing interests.

This type of experiential learning is powerful because it moves beyond traditional classroom instruction. Students must grapple with real human emotions like frustration, empathy, and trust, all while under the pressure of decision-making. The skills developed—such as listening, patience, negotiation, and strategic thinking—are directly transferable to real-life situations where conflicts arise, whether in schools, communities, or peer groups.

Preventing Youth Violence Through Conflict Resolution Education

Youth violence often stems from a lack of effective communication, unresolved disputes, and the inability to empathize with others. The World Peace Game addresses these root causes by teaching participants how to see conflicts from multiple perspectives and find common ground. In a world increasingly characterized by division, such lessons are more important than ever.

Imagine implementing the World Peace Game as part of school curricula or community youth programs, particularly in areas where violence is a critical issue. By engaging young people in this form of conflict resolution training, they learn alternatives to aggression and are better equipped to mediate disputes non-violently. The game cultivates a mindset where peace is achievable, not through dominance or force, but through understanding, collaboration, and shared goals.

The Broader Impact on Communities

The benefits of introducing the World Peace Game to youth extend beyond the individuals who participate. As students become more adept at resolving conflicts, they influence their peers, families, and communities. Schools and community centers that embrace such programs often see ripple effects, leading to reduced incidents of violence and greater social cohesion. Additionally, the game encourages young people to think globally and understand how interconnected the world is, which can inspire them to become proactive problem-solvers in their local environments.

If you are involved with any community organizations in Youngstown or Warren and one of the missions is to help people out of situations that cause marginalization or detriment (incarceration, recidivism, street violence, or mental health issues), this can be a great tool in your community activism arsenal. The program is designed primarily for teachers, but it can most certainly be implemented by community activism organizations as well.

Contact us to learn more about teaching conflict resolution through the World Peace Game.

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