A Twitter simulation to help students on the Executive MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy programme has been developed by LSE Ideas at the London School of Economics.

The simulation worked as part of a diplomatic negotiations project, titled ‘World Trade Organisation,’ and allowed students to author and post tweets ahead of the in-class exercise, with students split into two teams representing different trade delegations.

Academics on the course then scheduled a series of disruptive posts of an undiplomatic nature with varying degrees of difficulty to challenge students with their own negotiations.

Discussing the project with online news resource Education Technology, course tutor, Dr Aaron McKeil said: “In developing a Twitter Diplomacy Simulation, we hoped to expand and deepen student learning about the role and practice of social media in diplomacy, particularly in regards to diplomatic negotiations.”

McKeil added: “We’re aware of the impact platforms like Twitter can have in diplomatic negotiations.

“If used effectively and responsibly, it can be a useful tool in securing negotiations. However, social media can often be a double-edged sword, and can prove disruptive if used undiplomatically.”