The AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) recently hosted a Joint Live Simulation in collaboration with the ARPA Institute as part of its Scenario-Based Strategic Planning course. Bringing together leading scholars and practitioners, the event demonstrated how structured simulations can support strategic thinking and decision-making in complex environments.

Held on May 9, 2026, the panel featured experts on geopolitics, security policy, regional and international relations, offering diverse perspectives from academia and public service. The event engaged an audience of fellow specialists and course participants from multiple cohorts. The primary simulation question was discussed in two rounds and opened up a conversation about Armenia's long-term strategic advantages, adaptive policymaking, and approaches to sustaining peace amid external uncertainty.

While the live simulation focused on Armenia's geopolitical environment, the course itself teaches the principles and methods of scenario-based strategic planning. It combines analytical tools with realistic exercises, strengthening strategic thinking and decision-making skills applicable across a variety of professional contexts.

Course authors Dr. Allison Astorino-Courtois (NSI’s Chief Analytics Officer, Executive Vice President) and Dr. Hriar Cabayan (Visiting Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) made sure that the participants learn how to analyze complex environments, evaluate multiple stakeholders, and develop strategies that remain resilient under changing conditions through the Interest, Resolve, Capability (IRC) Framework.

The course has also attracted interest from organizations seeking to develop these capabilities within their teams, with several participating as groups to explore scenario-based planning in a collaborative setting.

Learn more about the Scenario-Based Strategic Planning Course here.

Read also “Armenia’s Security and Democratic Trajectory” White Paper published by the ARPA Institute.