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The Wargaming Network is a research group within the School of Security Studies that aims to advance the theory and application of wargaming as a method of inquiry and as a method of learning and teaching. The Network builds on a rich history of King’s wargaming activities. It serves as a hub for the growing community of King’s students and staff studying, researching and applying wargames and simulations that go far beyond just modelling war and conflict across domains such as land, sea, air, cyber and space but also politics, business and health ot name a few.  The Network seeks to engage and convene world-class wargaming scholars, practitioners and emerging talent.

The King’s Wargaming Network was founded by Professor Philip Sabin, Ivanka Barazashka, James W E Smith, Dr Aggie Hirst and Anna Nettleship in 2017.

In line with King’s 2029 Vision, the Wargaming Network seeks to: 

  • Educate to inspire and improve by advancing and democratising wargaming education.
  • Research to inform and innovate by developing wargaming as an academic discipline.
  • Serve to shape and transform by applying wargaming to generate and deliver big ideas in service to society.

The Wargaming Network engages in five types of activities:

  • Convenes public lectures and workshops.
  • Enables King’s faculty, staff and post-graduate student research.
  • Trains rapporteurs and analysts for analytical wargaming.
  • Supports the testing and execution of wargames for King’s faculty, staff and partners.
  • Organises networking events.

King’s Wargaming Network supports the Wargaming Master’s module at King’s. Doctoral supervision is also supported by various members of staff. Please contact Department Staff about doctoral supervision or visit the main War Studies webpage to find out what wargaming education is available at King’s.

Activities

Wargaming Network illustration
Wargaming Public Lecture Series

The School of Security Studies launched a public wargaming lecture series to mark the establishment of the Wargaming Network in 2018. Each academic year the lectures explore a particular theme covering a range of wargaming and simulation topics or questions.

Wargaming Network illustration
Building the Future of Wargaming

The 'Building the Future of Wargaming' event kickstarted the first King's Wargaming Alumni Weekend in celebration of the first-year anniversary of the Network. Members delivered an overview of the purpose and aims of the Network as well as highlighting its achievements over the last year.

Coronavirus letter tiles
Wargaming COVID-19 Pandemics Effects

The Network convened scholars, professional wargamers and government officials in April 2020 to examine how novel wargaming methods can help us understand the short and long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wargaming network resized
King’s Wargaming Network ‘welcome’ event

Each year the Wargaming network hosts special events for King’s students and staff to learn about the network and wargaming.

    Wargaming network resized
    Wargaming Week at King’s

    King’s Wargaming Network presents a week of wargaming activities covering academic lectures, student research expo, wargames, discussion panels and workshops.

      Wargaming network resized
      Special lectures, events, seminars and podcasts

      Throughout the year special events feature as part of the Wargaming Networks programme, usually hosted by academic staff or PGR students across a broad spectrum of topics.

        Wargaming network
        The King’s Wargaming Lecture

        Each year a King’s scholar or researcher presents a special lecture on Wargaming. This special lecture marks the anniversary of the creation of the Wargaming Network at King’s.

          Members

          Staff:

          • Dr David Banks – Academic Director of the Wargaming Network
          • Dr Aggie Hirst – Founding Member
          • Dr James WE Smith – Founding Member and Staff: Naval Wargaming, History and Strategic Studies Research lead
          • Anna Nettleship – Managing Director and Founding Member

          PhD Students:

          • Boukje Kistemaker
          • Arnel David

          Previous Staff or Affiliated:

          • Professor Philip Sabin – Former Co-Director and Founding Member, Emeritus Professor King’s College London
          • Ivanka Barzashka – Former Managing Director and Founding Member

          Groups:

          • King’s War Studies Crisis Simulation Team – Student led Crisis Simulations in the Department of War Studies

          Activities

          Wargaming Network illustration
          Wargaming Public Lecture Series

          The School of Security Studies launched a public wargaming lecture series to mark the establishment of the Wargaming Network in 2018. Each academic year the lectures explore a particular theme covering a range of wargaming and simulation topics or questions.

          Wargaming Network illustration
          Building the Future of Wargaming

          The 'Building the Future of Wargaming' event kickstarted the first King's Wargaming Alumni Weekend in celebration of the first-year anniversary of the Network. Members delivered an overview of the purpose and aims of the Network as well as highlighting its achievements over the last year.

          Coronavirus letter tiles
          Wargaming COVID-19 Pandemics Effects

          The Network convened scholars, professional wargamers and government officials in April 2020 to examine how novel wargaming methods can help us understand the short and long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

          Wargaming network resized
          King’s Wargaming Network ‘welcome’ event

          Each year the Wargaming network hosts special events for King’s students and staff to learn about the network and wargaming.

            Wargaming network resized
            Wargaming Week at King’s

            King’s Wargaming Network presents a week of wargaming activities covering academic lectures, student research expo, wargames, discussion panels and workshops.

              Wargaming network resized
              Special lectures, events, seminars and podcasts

              Throughout the year special events feature as part of the Wargaming Networks programme, usually hosted by academic staff or PGR students across a broad spectrum of topics.

                Wargaming network
                The King’s Wargaming Lecture

                Each year a King’s scholar or researcher presents a special lecture on Wargaming. This special lecture marks the anniversary of the creation of the Wargaming Network at King’s.

                  Members

                  Staff:

                  • Dr David Banks – Academic Director of the Wargaming Network
                  • Dr Aggie Hirst – Founding Member
                  • Dr James WE Smith – Founding Member and Staff: Naval Wargaming, History and Strategic Studies Research lead
                  • Anna Nettleship – Managing Director and Founding Member

                  PhD Students:

                  • Boukje Kistemaker
                  • Arnel David

                  Previous Staff or Affiliated:

                  • Professor Philip Sabin – Former Co-Director and Founding Member, Emeritus Professor King’s College London
                  • Ivanka Barzashka – Former Managing Director and Founding Member

                  Groups:

                  • King’s War Studies Crisis Simulation Team – Student led Crisis Simulations in the Department of War Studies

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