Stakeholder Role-Play

This activity should familiarize students with different political actors and engage them in understanding the roles and interests/goals of these actors and stakeholders in global politics.

Start by explaining to the students the difference between an actor and a stakeholder. The IB's Global Politics Guide notes the following: "The inclusion of “stakeholders” alongside “actors” suggests that, in many cases, political issues affect individuals and groups that may not possess the agency or means to act—i.e. exercise power—in a particular situation. As such, they might not be analyzed as “actors” per se. Nevertheless, all affected stakeholders should be considered when studying political issues. This is an important distinction and one worth clarifying with your students. 

Activity Steps:

Divide the class into small groups, each representing a different global political actor from the list provided (see below).

First, have students consider all stakeholders who the political actors' decisions may influence. As students brainstorm, it is important that they keep these stakeholders in mind as they consider the roles, objectives, and strategies of the actors they are researching.

Assign each group to research their assigned actor; you may want to share some resources. They should start by providing a definition and an example of the actor they are research and then, in the context of the scenario, identify their actor's: 

• Role
• Objectives
• Strategies
• Influence on the scenario. 

Select and introduce a global political challenge or issue (e.g., climate change negotiations, a humanitarian crisis, a conflict resolution process) that involves multiple actors. Share a relevant article or scenario with the class. For example, you might look at a severe food crisis due to prolonged drought and political instability or draw students’ attention to the food deprivation faced by Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya in 2022-23 or Sudan in 2024 to present. 

Each group prepares their position and strategy on the scenario, considering its actor's interests and goals.

Conduct a simulated roundtable discussion in which each group presents its actor’s perspective on the scenario. Encourage interaction between groups, perhaps even mimicking real-world negotiations and alliances. You may also want to facilitate a debate where groups can argue, negotiate, and propose solutions from their actors' viewpoints.

Aim for a collaborative resolution or declaration that reflects the input of the various stakeholders.

Here is an example of how each group might breakdown their role, objectives, strategies and influence related to the example provided above. It may be worth sharing this with students after the activity (keeping in mind the “role”, “objective” and “strategies” examples are related to a humanitarian crisis scenario).

States (e.g., neighbouring countries, major powers):

• Definition and example: A state is a political entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states, recognized in international law as having sovereignty over its internal and external affairs. For example, the country of Japan.
• Role: Providing humanitarian aid and ensuring regional stability.
• Objective: Stabilize the region, prevent refugee influx, and maintain good diplomatic relations.
• Strategies: Sending food aid, financial support, and technical assistance; diplomatic efforts to resolve political instability.
• Influence: High due to their resources and political power.

Subnational and Local Governments:

• Definition and example: These are authorities that operate below the level of the state, managing local or regional matters within a country, such as city councils or provincial governments. For example, Kano State in Nigeria
• Role: Direct response and coordination with international aid.
• Objectives: Alleviate the crisis and support affected populations.
• Strategies: Local aid distribution and coordination with NGOs and IGOs
• Influence: Critical at the local level, limited resources may reduce effectiveness.

Intergovernmental Organizations:

• Definition and example: IGOs are formed by treaties between sovereign states. They focus on cooperative initiatives and policies at the international level. For example a United Nations organization like the World Food Programme or the European Union.
• Role: Coordinating international response, providing expertise and resources.
• Objectives: Mobilize global support and ensure effective and equitable aid distribution.
• Strategies: Launching global appeals for aid, coordinating international efforts, and deploying experts.
• Influence: High in terms of coordination and legitimacy.

Non-Governmental Organizations (e.g., Red Cross, Oxfam):

• Definition and example: This encompasses organized groups and associations that operate independently from the government and aim to represent interests or causes.
• Role: Direct aid provision, advocacy, and support.
• Objectives: Deliver humanitarian aid, advocate for the affected population by raising funds and awareness.
• Strategies: Fundraising, field operations for aid distribution, advocacy campaigns.
• Influence: High at the grassroots level and can be crucial in direct aid delivery.

Private Actors/Companies (e.g., multinational corporations):

• Definition and example: These are individuals or corporations that operate in the private sector, often focusing on commercial and economic activities that influence politics. This can then benefit or be a detriment to their business practices. For example, Amazon or Apple.
• Role: Providing aid, investment, or technology.
• Objectives: Corporate social responsibility, maintaining stability for business interests.
• Strategies: Donations, providing technology for aid delivery, investing in local infrastructure.
• Influence: Varies can be significant if the resources committed.

Social Movements (e.g., global climate change movements):

• Definition and example: Social movements are collective, organized efforts by people to promote or resist social change, often around specific social issues outside formal political institutions. For example, environmental movements such as the Extinction Rebellion work for decisive action on climate change and environmental protection.
• Role: Advocacy and awareness raising.
• Objectives: Highlight the crisis’s underlying causes and advocate for systemic change.
• Strategies: Social media campaigns, global demonstrations, advocacy.
• Influence: Can be high in shaping public opinion and pressuring decision-makers.

Resistance Movements:

• Definition and example: These groups actively oppose and resist an established authority or government. They use different forms of protest or direct action. For example, the Syrian opposition groups that fought against the Bashar al-Assad regime in the Syrian Civil War or the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's protest movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline in the United States.
• Role: Opposing current government that may be hindering aid.
• Objectives: Gain political power or autonomy.
• Strategies: Political mobilization, they may disrupt of aid efforts for leverage.
• Influence: This can be significant locally, depending on their strength and tactics.

Political Parties (in the country and globally):

• Definition and example: Political parties are organized groups of people with similar political ideologies and objectives who seek to influence public policy and governance through electoral processes.
• Role: Policy formulation and political response.
• Objectives: Shape response to crisis and political gain.
• Strategies: Legislative action, public statements, potential politicization of crisis.
• Influence: Significant in shaping policy and public perception.

Interest and Pressure Groups:

• Definition and example: These are organized groups that seek to influence public policy and decision-making processes in line with specific interests or issues, often through lobbying or advocacy. For example, the American pharmaceutical lobby group is the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). PhRMA represents leading biopharmaceutical researchers and biotechnology companies and has been influential in shaping healthcare policies, including efforts to influence drug prices or intellectual rights.
• Role: Advocacy for specific interests.
• Objectives: Protect and promote the interests of their members.
• Strategies: Lobbying and try to influence government policy.
• Influence: Variable, depending on resources and political connections.

Political Leaders (in the country and internationally):

• Definition and example: Political leaders are individuals who hold positions of authority and power in government or political organizations. They shape policy and represent their constituents (people from their district) or members.
• Role: Decision-making and leadership.
• Objectives: Resolve crisis, maintain or enhance political standing.
• Strategies: Policy decisions, international cooperation, media engagement.
• Influence: Critical, as they make key decisions affecting the crisis response.

Formal and Informal Political Forums (e.g., town hall meetings, online forums):

• Definition and example: Political forums are platforms or venues where political discussion and decision-making occur, typically informal community meetings or online discussion groups. The G7, or The World Economic Forum in Davos—an annual meeting of global political and business leaders to discuss economic and social issues—is a good example of a political forum.
• Role: Spaces for discussion and decision-making.
• Objectives: Facilitate dialogue and influence policy.
• Strategies: Organizing meetings and discussions, fostering public engagement.
• Influence: Can be significant in shaping public opinion and grassroots response.

The Media (local and international):

• Definition and example: The media encompasses various communication channels like newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms that disseminate information, news, and analysis, influencing public opinion and political discourse. For example (among many), the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is a public service broadcaster providing news and information across television, radio, and online platforms.
• Role: Reporting that influences public perception.
• Objectives: Inform the public and influence policy and public response.
• Strategies: News coverage, editorials, social media engagement.
• Influence: High in shaping public awareness and opinion.

Other Individuals (e.g., celebrities, influencers):

• Definition and example: A good example might be Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist known for raising awareness about climate change. She gained international recognition for initiating the "Fridays for Future" movement, where students skip school to participate in demonstrations demanding action to combat climate change. This movement influenced public discourse and policy discussions on environmental issues worldwide.
• Role: Raising awareness and advocacy.
• Objectives: Draw attention to the crisis and support fundraising efforts.
• Strategies: Social media campaigns, public protests, charitable activities.
• Influence: Can be significant in mobilizing public support and resources.