What can wargames teach us about war crimes?

I’m currently pursuing a PhD at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, under the supervision of Dr. Alette Smeulers and Dr. Ryan Wittingslow. My research explores how simulations and wargames can be used to study the perpetration of war crimes — particularly how ordinary people come to participate in acts of mass violence.

The project sits at the intersection of international criminology, behavioural insight, and experiential design. Its aim is twofold: to establish simulations as rigorous tools for research in perpetrator studies, and to deepen our understanding of how systems, roles, and group dynamics shape harmful behaviour.

I’m always open to collaboration or discussion — whether you’re working in a related field, exploring the use of simulations in your organisation, or simply curious about the work.

Feel free to write to me at ben.gaches@rug.nl if you wish to discuss my research, or use the contact page if you would like to explore how simulations can benefit your organisation!