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Wargaming Lab

Where sharp minds and strategic challenges converge

The Wargaming Lab is a student-led, crisis simulation-focused research group affiliated with the Whole of Government Center of Excellence at William & Mary. We dive deep into creating immersive crisis simulations, wargames, and strategic research exercises to prepare future leaders for real-world challenges.
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Ba's Maze

On April 27th, 2024, the Wargaming Lab conducted a playtest of Ba’s Maze, a wargame set against the backdrop of escalating nuclear tensions and deteriorating relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States. The scenario featured the National Security Council and the PRC Central Military Commission, portrayed by a distinguished group of adjunct professors, wargaming practitioners, and students. Colonel and W&M Law School Professor Michael Dick, alongside Director of Policy Analysis Dr. Samantha Custer (Aid Data), led the wargame as key principals, with their expertise significantly enriching the game.

The Lab gained invaluable insights during the plenary sessions, which will be integrated into future iterations of the wargame. Special thanks to Colonel Nathan Colvin, Adjunct Professor Sophie Hart, General Mark Matthews, and General Charlie Lyon for their essential roles in the design and execution of Ba’s Maze.

*Ba's Maze is non-affiliated with "Q-Ba-Maze." 

2024 Wargaming After Action Report

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Ready to Join the Action?

If you would like to become a Wargaming Analyst at the Wargaming Lab, keep an eye out for application details on Student Happenings and the GRI Digest at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.