Finding ideas for modern wargame scenarios

 Much like in the scene above from the movie 'Wag the Dog', creating scenarios, especially for moderns, can come from a variety of sources and bits. Sometimes my modern scenarios are based on all factual, historical events. Sometimes they are a bit more imagi-Nation.

There is a small conflict flaring up again, an old holdout or hangover from the early 1990's in Nagorno Karabakh. Where you ask? Who is fighting? One group backed by Iran and one backed by Russia? Yes, all true.

I'll give you a very, very brief summary of the action. Between Armenia and Azerbaijan lies a contested territory controlled by an unrecognized state called the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR). After World War I, Nagorno-Karabakh was caught between-and claimed- by two emerging nations, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Think Ottoman and Russian Empires, Nationalist parties and neighbors of Christian Armenians, Turkic Muslims and others. You get the point of this well rehearsed cauldron of animosity.

The original caption identifies these lads as "Armenian soldiers."

So fast forward to today and the information age. We are supplied with an almost endless stream of information, photographs and video from established news agencies as well as locals posting to social media sites. To the observant follower of military matters and history, this vast information can be a treasure trove for creating scenarios. I tend to enjoy politics and world affairs, so I guess I am kind of a policy wonk who doesn't mind reading about things like this. You just have to pay attention, read and listen and sift through the data. Once you do that, you should have a few games ready to go in no time. I know I have a few in the works, even if they are just bubbling in my head now, from this current situation.

far to often, we have associated 'Modern' with Iraq and Afghanistan because it's out in front of us everyday. I would encourage you to put the sports pages down for a few minutes and pick up the front pages of The Washington Post, The Guardian or grab a copy of The Economist magazine. You never know what you'll find. It just might be the start of some research for some new scenarios...just be sure to share them with me (hint/hint).

Here's a link to get you started for learning a bit more about Nagorno-Karabakh:The Washington Post stories about N-K conflict

Until next time. Carry on men.
-Bob