Experiencing the high-stakes world of modern diplomacy
For two senior undergraduate students, Model NATO 2025 provided a unique learning experience that went beyond the intricacies of navigating a simulated international security crisis to fostering connections and expanding their perspectives.
Prince George, B.C. – A crisis scenario involving massive cyber-attacks and increased military presence in the Asian Pacific Ocean allowed two UNBC students to experience the complexities of international diplomacy firsthand.
As delegates to Model NATO 2025, Luke Frolick and Blaise Feltis joined students from across the country at the event in Ottawa hosted by Carleton University to participate in intense global security simulations designed to provide insight into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its processes.
Frolick was part of the North Atlantic Council team, NATO’s top decision-making body, while Feltis served on the Military Committee. Both students were tasked with solving complex issues ranging from protecting the Arctic North and responding to disasters from global warming to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into weapons systems and the growing threat of hybrid warfare.
Feltis was recognized with the Military Committee’s best position paper for his essay capturing North Macedonia’s military and geopolitical stance on this year’s simulation topics. “I have longstanding and lasting interest in geopolitical security – from reading to podcasts and documentaries – so it was pretty rewarding to be acknowledged in this way,” says the 4th year Bachelor of Arts student pursuing a joint major in English and History with a minor in Philosophy.
While the crisis was central to the conference, it was the opportunity to engage with peers, refine problem-solving skills and take in new perspectives that made the experience so impactful.
“As someone drawn to interdisciplinary studies, I saw Model NATO as another opportunity to explore the intersection of politics and history and broaden my understanding,” says Frolick, who is in the final year of a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History and a minor in English. “Working collaboratively with students from other universities was one of the most valuable parts of the conference – broadening perspectives helps us understand each other and expand our worldview beyond our localities.”
And it wasn’t just the simulations that left lasting impressions. Both students point to visits to the Polish and Turkish Embassies as highlights.
“In listening to the Polish and Turkish ambassadors, I learned they have significantly different concerns than we do which is why their priorities on the global scene are so different from ours,” says Frolick. “It really put things into perspective and made me realize how fortunate we are in Canada.”
For Feltis, the Turkish visit was a unique opportunity to hear from the only Muslim majority country in NATO and further underscored the value of attending the national conference.
As they reflect on their experiences at Model NATO, both are grateful for the support they received from UNBC to attend the event. Their participation enhanced their academic understanding of international security and provided them with invaluable connections and insights that may help to shape their future careers.
“It was great to share thoughts and exchange ideas with the really engaged group of students I connected with,” says Feltis. “Coupled with the opportunities we had to sit down and talk with the ambassadors and the presentations from high-level officials with the NATO nations all combined to make this conference a highlight in my academic journey.”