Using a top-down approach, CRISIS XXI is intended to exploit the ability of an advanced AI engine initially developed by Hexagon Interactive in our CYBERWAR XXI effort for AFOSR. This AI simulates to a degree better than hitherto available, the behavior and decision-making process of individuals and populations under conditions of stress. The AI has demonstrated a predictive capability that could be used as a tool to forecast the reactions of populations to deployment of existing or potential weapons systems.

By demonstrating the human factors of warfare as well as the material, CRISIS XXI allows the recreation of complex political and social interactions. The simulation provides a more realistic environment in which the effects of political and economic policies can also be examined.

The advanced AI used in CRISIS XXI can show political maneuvering within each player's power structure and other functions. In addition, the computer-generated After Action Reports (AAR) provide an invaluable tool to evaluate and understand not only what an entity may do in a situation, but also why they act in the way they do, and what effect (predictable and unpredictable) a strategy may have at a particular time and place, and why.

The model's AI is based on data collected over the last several decades on organizational behavior (both terrorist and non-terrorist). It uses Hexagon's state of the art AI agent technology to simulate realistic and predictive behavior.

Hexagon Interactive is also exploring other applications. For example, the AI engine could help predict investors' behavior in response to market change; help a corporation plan a novel marketing campaign; help emergency services better plan for crises such as the attacks on the World Trade towers.