CRISIS COMMITTEES
(JCC) Silk Road: Moon over mountain pass
129 BCE: After taking the state-commissioned expedition, Han diplomat Zhang Qian returned with the prospect of establishing transcontinental trade and political alliances with civilizations in Central and Western Asia. Zhang’s exploration was embraced by the young and ambitious Emperor Wu, who intended to expand the Han military and commercial presence. While Han China enjoyed a period of prosperity, the imperial court was wary of the rising prominence of the Xiongnu, a tribal confederation of nomadic people in the Eastern Steppe that shared grievances with Han China.
On the other end of the Eurasia continent, the Roman Republic enjoyed stability following the victory of the Third Punic War. The spread of the republic fostered economic interests through trade with civilizations in the East. Despite the absence of major foreign warfare, minor disturbances agitated the overexpanded empire. Internal turmoil escalated across the republic alongside the rise of the popular tribunate dominated by the Gracchi brothers.
This is a joint crisis committee, with Han China on one side and the Roman Republic on the other. Delegates will represent politicians, diplomats, and generals in the Han and Roman courts, responsible for ensuring domestic stability, establishing strategic alliances, and fostering commercial opportunities. Trade relations via the Silk Road are decisive factors in connecting the two committees. The future remains unknown. Will Han China successfully assert its imperial ambition? Will Rome preserve itself from the emerging threats of civil wars? And...will the border of the two hegemonies eventually collide in central Asia?
The background guide above, is the starting point of your research and dive into the topics and themes to be discussed within the committee. The mechanics can be found here.
(JCC) Russo-Japanese War: World War Zero
February 8, 1904: After tensions fueled by territorial ambitions and geopolitical interests have finally reached a boiling point, the Empire of Japan fires torpedoes on Russian ships docked at Port Arthur, leaving the Russian Empire’s Pacific fleet in disarray. Negotiations seem to have fallen apart due to repeated dishonesty and Russia’s stubbornness to compromise, and with this sudden blow, the stage is set for a dramatic clash that could reshape the balance of power in East Asia.
Will this attack compel honest negotiation, or is it a declaration of war? Can the Russian Empire marshal its vast but dispersed resources in time? Will the Empire of Japan press on swiftly, or will they adopt a more cautious approach, wary of the potential costs of a prolonged conflict against an established global empire? The world is watching – the European empires in particular have a watchful interest in commanding the vastness of the Pacific, keen to ally with whoever appears more likely to gain the most out of this crisis.
This is a joint crisis committee, with the Russian Empire on one side and the Empire of Japan on the other. As tsars, emperors, generals, admirals, or other officers, you will decide the course of history. You may solve this international crisis with diplomacy, or otherwise lead your Empire down a belligerent path. Either way, you will weave together alliances with the world that will set the stage for the century to come and forever alter the history of the Far East.
The background guide below, is the starting point of your research and dive into the topics and themes to be discussed within the committee. The mechanics for Japan can be found here, and the mechanics for Russia can be found here.
Court of Henry VIII: Thorn Among the Roses
April 1512: King Henry VIII just declared war against France to recover Aquitaine under English rule. The Tudor court under Henry VIII had long been subjected to various sabotages and plottings among various parties, with the king known for his centralization of royal power. In addition to the expansion of the crown, the king’s straining relations with the Catholic church and his absorbing desire to maintain succession through marriages are other essential events characterizing the reign of Henry VIII. With regard to regional diplomacy in the early 1500s, the intricate European alliance system was another intriguing aspect, especially considering English relations with France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire. Alliances forged with different great powers will significantly alter the European stage.
Delegates will represent members of the English court, including queens, diplomats, ladies-in-waiting, courtiers, and artisans. Over the course of the conference, they will coordinate military involvement and maintain diplomatic relations with other European powers, while dealing with escalating conflicts with the Vatican and the succession crisis at home. Amidst ongoing military campaigns and religious issues, the fate of England rests in your hands.
The background guide above, is the starting point of your research and dive into the topics and themes to be discussed within the committee. The mechanics can be found here, and the respective character guide can be found here.
1812.
June 17, 1812: The United States has declared war on Great Britain, and the British colony of Upper Canada will undoubtedly be the front line of the coming conflict. With the American forces poised to invade Canadian territories for their strategic value, the committee must assess available resources, mobilize militias, and fortify strategic strongholds before it is too late. As delegates representing Canada in this pivotal moment in history, you must navigate the treacherous waters of international conflict, military strategy, and diplomacy. Great Britain and France have been in a raging war since 1793, and there may well exist diplomatic avenues to secure alliances and support from local regions, Britain's global network, or beyond. What can you offer in negotiations to sympathetic powers, local or global, in exchange for assistance in the form of military aid, supplies, or diplomatic pressure on the United States?
Though we are in crisis, with the right balance of calculation and creativity, the British colonies of Upper and Lower Canada could emerge from under the long shadows cast by Great Britain and the United States and cement themselves on the world stage. Here you have the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of historical figures and shape the course of history. Are you ready to face the challenges that lie ahead? Canada awaits your bold ideas, strategic thinking, and diplomatic finesse to defend our nation's honour and shape her destiny amidst the chaos of war.
The background guide above, is the starting point of your research and dive into the topics and themes to be discussed within the committee. The mechanics can be found here, and the respective character guide can be found here.
Ad Hoc
This committee is suitable for only the most experienced delegates. It is designed to challenge delegates to engage in a high level of debate in one of UTMUN’s most creative and innovative committees. The topic of the committee will not be released prior to the first committee session and neither research nor a position paper is required to participate.
Hint: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13s6sgtT8_WODxxn1zPuiNzlwLRTHqZlj/view