Teaching Theories of International Political Economy from the Pit: A Simple In-Class Simulation

Helping students understand abstract theories and concepts and how they apply to their everyday lives and the world around them is one of the most difficult tasks confronting a college teacher. Taking the task a step further by trying to demonstrate the ways in which the theoretical lenses used by analysts color their analyses and conclusions about real-world events is even more difficult. Using the family card game Pit as the tool, students can get a relatively realistic feel for how the structure of trading relationships, as reflected in theoretical constructs, determine (or at least condition and direct) the outcomes of international exchange and who wins and who loses in the international system. This article lays out the basic logic of the game and then develops the substance of the simulation for international relations courses. We also provide some insights into the applications of this simulation beyond international relations classes. Discussion of debriefing and student assessment of the experience is also provided.