"Felt like a political thriller"

Hugo Hobring has just completed the intensive scenario exercise, Grand Strategy Game Week. The exercise is part of the introductory course in his master's programme War and Defence, and is conducted together with students from the master's programme Politics, Security, and Crisis.

What role did you have in the scenario exercise?

"I was part of the team representing the USA, specifically within the Department of Defense (DoD). My personal role involved acting as a kind of oversight function with detailed knowledge of our resources and capabilities—not just weapons systems but also other strategic assets. Beyond this, we worked intensively on preparing policy briefs, participating in negotiations, and developing a robust strategy for the USA. We also had NATO as an asset under our umbrella, which gave us valuable insights and allowed us to navigate more intelligently in our decision-making. It felt like constantly juggling multiple roles, but that made it incredibly exciting."

How realistic did it feel?

"The exercise was really designed to put our abilities to the test – everything from policy development and negotiations to dealing with time pressure. It was noticeable that it was designed to stress test us, but despite that, many parts felt extremely real. This became particularly clear when we dealt with both open and hidden targets for each country. Stepping outside my comfort zone and acting on the specific interests of the country created an authentic feeling, where I sometimes almost forgot that it was an exercise. At that time, it felt like we really had responsibility for the fate of the nation."

What was the biggest challenge?

"The biggest challenge was definitely representing the USA. As one of three countries—USA, Russia, and China—the USA was its own strategic sphere, without the easy option of forming alliances. Managing conflicts on three fronts—Arctic, the South China Sea, and Eastern Europe—required constant prioritisation and brought significant stress. Strangely enough, though, the stress helped me stay focused and make the most of the situation. It was a bit like juggling three flaming torches—challenging, but with a huge adrenaline rush."

What did you enjoy the most?

"The most enjoyable moment for me was when we received a game card about the Arctic, one of my favourite areas in geopolitics and something I’m particularly interested in exploring further. Working on strategies related to security, resource management, and presence in the Arctic was incredibly engaging. Beyond that, the negotiations and seeing how everyone fully embraced their roles were some of the most rewarding aspects of the exercise. At times, it felt like we were acting in a political thriller—intense discussions, strategic considerations, and the feeling that our decisions genuinely mattered. It made the entire experience truly engaging."

Did you learn anything from working under stress?

"Working under stress was a challenge, but also an experience that really tested my abilities. It was intense, but I learned how to stay calm under pressure and make rational decisions. The stress forced me to focus in a way I hadn’t experienced before—it was like everything else faded away, leaving just the task at hand. I also realised the importance of trusting the team and how clear communication can significantly reduce stress and help us make quicker and better decisions."

What will you take away from the scenario exercise?

"I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how complex security policy decisions are, particularly when managing multiple simultaneous conflicts and interests. The exercise made me reflect on how strategies influence not just military outcomes but also political and diplomatic relationships. It taught me the importance of having a long-term plan while remaining flexible and ready to adapt to changing circumstances. I also thought a lot about the balance between collaboration and competition, and how these factors impact the chances of success—both in the short and long term. The need for strategies to adapt to rapid changes is a lesson that has truly stuck with me."

Did you learn anything about yourself?

"Yes, I learned quite a lot about myself during the exercise. Most of all, I realised that I’m more adaptable in unexpected situations than I thought, and that I can actually stay calm under pressure. I do need to work on my humility and how I receive input from others. I also discovered that I enjoy roles where I’m responsible for details and ensuring strategies and plans hold together. It also became clear to me how important collaboration is—I learned that listening to the team and adapting to their perspectives helped us achieve the best possible outcome."

Did the scenario exercise meet your expectations?

"The scenario exercise definitely lived up to my expectations in terms of being challenging and realistic, but several aspects exceeded what I had imagined. I was positively surprised by how dynamic the collaboration between teams was and how everyone fully immersed themselves in their roles, creating an incredible sense of authenticity. Another unexpected aspect was how we managed to navigate the complex relationships between various interests while keeping our strategic goals in mind. I realised that such an exercise is about balancing military strategies with diplomatic considerations, which is far more complex than one might imagine in a classroom setting."

Did working with political science students add value?

"Absolutely, working with political science students was incredibly valuable. As a war studies student, I naturally focus on military and security aspects, whereas the political science students brought in a dimension I don’t always prioritise: the diplomatic and political considerations. This perspective made us think about everything from ethical aspects to the importance of negotiation as a tool for success. It ensured that our strategies were more balanced—not just based on military solutions but also taking long-term political effects into account. The input from political science students helped us think outside the box and ensured our decisions were more multifaceted."

Why do you think scenario exercises are so appreciated?

"Because they truly give us a chance to apply what we’ve learned in a way that feels meaningful and real. There’s something special about putting theory into practice—stepping into a role, making decisions, negotiating, and feeling the weight of potential consequences. These exercises also create a strong sense of camaraderie, where we work together, learn from each other, and support one another through both stressful and enjoyable moments. The combination of challenge, engagement, and teamwork makes these exercises some of the most memorable and appreciated parts of the program."

More about the Grand Strategy Game Week scenario exercise

International Master's Programme in War and Defence

International Master's Programme in Politics, Security and Crisis