MUN TOOLS
Index
The Model United Nations: Building Communication Skills
© by Mike Keenan
There are few vehicles as rich for students to practice communication techniques. Lifetime skills assist students to better pursue an education, profession and community interaction involving service club membership, assisting a hospital fundraising team or working out a family dispute. In addition, a wide knowledge base is fostered in history, geography, economics, culture, politics and world issues.
Writing Skills
Pre-conference position paper
Speeches
Notes to other delegates
Working papers to develop resolutions
Resolutions on the issue to be debated by the committee
Speaking Skills
Formal and informal speeches
Strategies for questions and answers
Caucusing: small and large groups
Lobbying: one-on-one with another delegate
Using procedural rules
Problem-Solving Skills
Goal identification, problem analysis from all sides, clarifying strategies
Lateral thinking, generating ideas,
Selecting, strengthening solutions
Planning for action, testing hypotheses
Conflict-Resolution Skills
Consensus building, win/win skills
Negotiation, mediation skills
Listening skills
Leadership, Team-Building, Social Skills
Cultivating allies and working with other delegates
Meeting delegates from other schools and countries
Research and Knowledge Skills
Utilizing reference books
Utilizing the Internet
Organizing information
Contacting NGO’s, embassies, people with expertise
Learning about world issues and diverse countries in the global community
Time-Management, Stress-Management Skills
Prioritizing
Working under pressure
Pacing, delegating, recognizing your leadership style, strengths and weaknesses
© by Mike Keenan
A good speech is based not only on what you say but also on how you say it!
You are trying to persuade others! To be successful, you must attend to their feelings as well as their logic. To convince others that you have a solution to a specific problem or a valid point, you first, must get their attention. Then, using appropriate oral and body language, you must maintain their attention and make them want to act upon your instructions. Don’t forget: what you say and how you say it are equally important. In fact, many think the latter is actually far more important! Once you sit down, there will be many other speakers. How will you be remembered?
Speaking Techniques
Getting Attention
Maintain Attention
© by Mike Keenan
Assume you are a prosecuting attorney. You try to convict someone for a crime. To convince the jury, you must present proof. Your proof must be factual, supported by credible documents, expert witnesses and other established forms of evidence. When you make your summary statement to the jury, your position will have been carefully built up piece by piece with specific examples, clearly presented and covering all of the issues.
Now, assume that you are the attorney for the defense. Your task is to discredit all of the evidence above and to poke holes into every argument.
These dynamics are part of model U.N. debate. One delegate wants to proceed in one direction and sway others; another delegate is determined to proceed in an opposite direction. Often, because of the country that you represent, you may have to argue for things that you, as a Canadian, do not really believe in. Model U.N. skills allow you to see all sides of an issue and determine the strength and weakness of any stance.
Here is a checklist for evidence:
Some explanations:
1. A variety of sources demonstrate that you are resourceful and have done your homework. This impresses the judges.
2. Do not say that you used CNN or Time magazine. Western popular media is not good proof.
Try to quote from U.N. sources, resolutions, treaties, conventions, and speeches, recognized
documents such as the Declaration of Human Rights, etc.
3. If you do quote from a source such as the U.N. Charter, quote the exact paragraph. 8. A good practice is to use a variation of your topic sentence for your concluding sentence.
10. This can be embarrassing, particularly if things have dramatically changed in your country.
A Dissection Manual: Find Weakness in the Opposition
© by Mike Keenan
Evidence:
If someone is being quoted or referred to, is that person:
2. Is it valid? Does it tell the truth?
If data or statistics are presented, are they sound?
3. Is it objective?
Does it measure what it is supposed to measure?
a) are there enough pertinent examples to support the conclusion?
b) is each individual case documented and related to the whole?
c) have reasonable alternatives been considered?
d) has it been shown that a specific event caused a specific result?
e) if analogy was used, were any essential differences overlooked?
f) is the evidence consistent and were standardized methods used to obtain it?
4. Is it up-to-date? Normative?
Does it reveal the actual situation or is it ancient history?
© by Andrew Thomson
Abstention-
abstaining from a vote means to withdraw from voting on a resolution instead of
giving a “yes” or “no” answer.
Amendments-
are made to resolutions. Friendly
amendments require the support of the sponsors in order for changes to be
made. Unfriendly amendments can be
initiated by anyone in the committee but require supporters and a majority
vote.
Arab
League- a body independent of the UN comprised of Arab states in Africa and the
Middle East. Some of its procedural
rules differ (eg. Resolutions are non-binding to those who vote against it).
BATNA
(Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement)-
what if your preferred solution
cannot be accomplished or agreed upon by the committee? Each delegate should have a BATNA on each
issue that will be debated in order to promote compromise and co-operation.
Bloc-
a group of countries that form a logical combination because of geographical,
economic, or cultural considerations (eg. G8, African bloc, Arab League).
Caucus- a forum where the rules of debate are suspended and delegates are able to gather in groups and freely discuss and write with one another (for others a bathroom or socializing break). Usually some of a committee’s most productive work is accomplished during caucuses.
Comments- if a delegate doesn’t yield his/her time during a speech in formal debate, the chair may recognize two delegates to make comments specifically on that speech.
Dividing the Question- once in voting procedure, a motion to divide the question means splitting up operative clauses to be voted on separately (eg. Vote on Clauses 1 and 3 together, but the rest individually). This is useful if you agree with one part of a resolution but not the whole thing.
EU (European Union)- an economic and political union created under the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, it comprises most of Western Europe and Germany, and is poised for future expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. Most customs regulations in Europe have now been abolished and a single currency is now in place, the Euro. As a political unit it has formidable power vis-à-vis the United States.
Foreign Aid- money given by one country to another for humanitarian or developmental purposes. It plays a key role in shaping foreign policy.
Foreign Policy- the attitudes and interests of a state towards external issues. Foreign policy can be influenced by a variety of factors, i.e. Military strength, trading partners, history, domestic government.
Formal
Debate- the committee follows a speaker’s list, and each speaker is given a
strict time limit within which to make their point. They must also formally yield the floor to questions, the chair,
or another delegate. Rules regarding
motions, voting and “right of reply” are enforceable only in formal
consideration, although at COWAC conferences informal debate is preferred for
the most part.
G8
(Group of Eight)- a body comprised of eight of the world’s most powerful
nations: Canada, the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Russia.
Informal
Debate- can be entered into by a simple motion and majority vote. The chair recognizes delegates wishing to
speak, but there are no yields, time limits or opportunities to directly
question one another. However, it
offers the chance to proceed quicker through various issues that arise during
debate.
ICJ
(International Court of Justice)- the ICJ is a body designed to resolve legal
and territorial disputes between states.
Lobbying-
refers to informal caucusing between a small group of delegates, usually
outside the committee room while debate is still in progress. One may wish to lobby another delegate for
support on a resolution or policy option, but use with caution. A delegation of two or more can afford to
spare someone outside the room much more easily then a solo debater.
Motions-
most motions can only be made in formal debate. In fact, the only motion permitted in informal debate is to move
to formal debate. Motions must be made
to open, close, postpone, or adjourn debate, to set the agenda, table the
topic, enact right of reply, an caucus.
NATO
(North Atlantic Treaty Organization)- security organization created in 1949 by
Western powers to provide a collective force against the Soviet Union. In the post-Cold War era it has taken on new
responsibilities in peacekeeping and enforcement of international law (Bosnia,
Kosovo).
NGO’s
(Non-governmental Corporations)- are organizations or associations that are not
associated with a specific country or international political
organization. Their aims can be broad
(World Vision International, Amnesty International, Greenpeace) or quite
specific (Doctors Without Borders) in their activities and goals. The United Nations has a history of working
closely with NGO’s on issues, especially relating to humanitarian projects.
Non-Members- delegates who sit in a committee and are allowed to speak but don’t have voting privileges.
OAS
(Organization of American States)- an international political organization
comprised of North and South American states.
Operative
Clauses- are written in resolutions following the preamble. These numbered clauses set out actual
solutions and initiatives for the committee to undertake.
Placard-
is your key prop at all times. Just be
sure not to replace it with your own creation, or to wave it hysterically while
someone else is speaking.
Points-
can be raised in formal or informal debate.
There are two points that can interrupt a speech:
Personal Privilege: if there’s too
much noise, heat/cold, etc…
Order: this point can be raised if a
rule has been violated.
Two
other points also exist:
Parliamentary Inquiry: a question on
the rules and procedure of debate.
Information: general questions to
the chair.
Position
Paper- a written statement by a delegate on a particular agenda topic,
outlining one’s foreign policy, proposed solutions and alternatives.
Preambulatory
Clauses- these clauses go at the beginning of a resolution, and act to
introduce the issue (concerns, previous UN actions, etc..). They are not numbered.
Rhetoric-
using language designed to persuade that is often extravagant and
laboured. In MUN debating chairs often
penalize delegates who rely on rhetoric instead of making substantive speeches.
Right
of Reply- This can only be asked for in formal debate, if a delegate feels
another debater has insulted and/or slandered their country or them personally.
It is easily the most over-attempted and misused motion in MUN debating.
Roll
Call- a motion made in voting procedure to individually call out each country’s
name for their vote. A delegate can
vote for, vote against, abstain, or pass.
A country that passes will be asked again at the end of the list, but
cannot abstain.
Security
Council- the most powerful body within the UN, it is comprised of fifteen
members, five of whom are permanent (see Veto Powers). It is responsible for the UN’s peace and
security policy, dealing with conflict through peacekeeping, sanctions and
other measures.
Speaker’s
List- In formal debate the chair follows the speaker’s list to recognize
delegates. Your country’s name can’t be
on it more than once at a time.
Sponsor/Co-sponsor-
Working papers and resolutions require sponsors (the main authors) and in some
cases co-sponsors. Being a co-sponsor
does not necessarily mean being in support of the ideas presented, you may just
want to see them debated in front of the rest of the committee.
UN
(United Nations)- a good idea to learn this one. The international organization that was created in 1945 from the
legacy of World War Two to promote and protect international peace and
security, co-operation, and human rights worldwide. It’s legitimacy comes from the UN Charter, with its major bodies
including the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the various
committees that comprise the Economic and Social Council.
Veto
Powers- the five permanent members of the Security Council (U.S., U.K., France,
Russia and China) have the right to single-handedly veto a resolution by voting
no.
Working
Paper- sometimes referred to as an “idea paper” also, although working paper is
the preferred formal term. It is drawn
up in the form of a resolution, but its status as a “working paper” allows for
easily made amendments that do not require the support of the entire committee,
only the sponsors themselves. Working
papers are one step below being a resolution, and many are often combined into
one. Their overall purpose is to set
out specific solutions or policy stances on an issue that can be debated within
the committee.
Yield-
In formal debate the delegate must yield his/her time a the beginning of their
speech in one of three ways:
-to the chair: once the speech is over the chair
takes the floor and moves on with the speaker’s list.
-to questions: delegates can ask questions to the
speaker for his/her remaining time. (A
recommended practice)
-to another delegate: another speaker uses up the
remaining time to give a speech, but cannot yield themselves.
Speaking Strategies for MUN Events
© by Mike Keenan
Get noticed:
1. Be a name dropper
Reveal knowledge of your country by mentioning current and past leaders.
“Our president, Forest Gump, has publicly stated…”
“Our secretary of state, (minister of foreign affairs, chief economist) Sir Francis Drake, stated that…”
2. Be a place dropper
“In
“Our citizens in
3. Be a UN fact dropper
“Security council resolution 666 refers to this devilish issue as does GA resolution 123 which was signed by your country as does the Bible and the Koran and the New Zealand Protocol and…..”
“You will recall that in the OAS meeting held in downtown
“UN publications distributed worldwide and presumably
available to your country, state that global warming is proceeding at a rate of
one mile per hour in the
“I know the representative from
“
“
“
4. Be an appropriate quote dropper
“My learned friend from
“Our famous poet, Fred Smurtz,
poet laureate of
5. Use diplomatic jargon
Never say that another country is “full of crap.” Instead,
politely infer that the speaker has his facts wrong or might be suffering from
jet lag or perhaps is out of contact with his foreign secretary because his
position does not jive with a recent statement from
Mention your “honourable friend”
or “colleague” or the “distinguished representative from
See Glossary: Walk the walk; talk the talk.
6. Use parliamentary procedure appropriately to assist the committee,
not impede it
Don’t interrupt a speech with a silly point of order such as “the room is on fire.” If a savvy opponent is using a question as an excuse to launch a long speech, courteously turn to the chair and say, “Madame chair, is there a question?”
If someone foolishly asks you a yes/no question, reveal their silly mistake and your astuteness by saying “yes” or “no” but not “maybe.”
7. Always yield to questions as they represent more opportunity to speak. You can answer any question, even the most embarrassing BY RESORTING TO THIS TIME-HONOURED TECHNIQUE:
Re-frame or ignore the question.
Q. How do you justify using child soldiers in your country?
A Thank you for that question. How important is liberty to our country? We will do everything we can in the pursuit of democracy. All of our people are prepared to fight this battle, our women, children, the elderly, those suffering from dementia……
Q. Why have you not signed the landmine treaty that has been adopted by 88 other leading countries?
A. Good question. What can poor, impoverished countries do to combat those with advanced weaponry, stealth bombers, huge tanks…….
Q. How will your country respond to the Lucas Plan?
A. (not having any idea about what it is) Thank you. Our country responds to any plan with appropriate study, thought and analysis. This is how we approached the problem of mosquitoes……
Q. What action will you take on Resolution 666?
A. Yes, Resolution 666 which of course precedes Res. 667. Unfortunately, I have misplaced that resolution but if the delegate would send me a copy I would be happy to review it (and shred it)
Q. Why did your country invade
A. Yes. Just what can be done about ruthless dictators who suppress their people? For those of us who espouse democracy, the answer is self-sacrifice.
Q. Your policies have led to power failures all over the world. How do you explain your actions?
A. Exactly. That’s part of the bigger question: how do we manage the power of the sun? Our country is committed to solar panels….
Q. Your country intervened in
A. We have a record of working
towards freedom yet freedom does not come without a price as the
or
A. This question bespeaks a complete misunderstanding of our intent. Let me take a few minutes to describe our success in assisting those who are dying for liberty. Perhaps I should first go back to our illustrious record during WW2…..Finally, I would remind the delegate that his own country has had some trouble with the infamous Spock affair. (if they ever get around to asking about it, slough it off as too distasteful to talk about or suggest that the entire country was wearing big ears in imitation of Star Trek’s Spock. (just kidding)
Q. Why is your homework not done?
A. One would think that’s a simple question such as did you get enough sleep last night or was there an emergency or when a friend needs you, what should you do? Ten years from now, how will we look at this question? And just what is homework? Does it mean helping to prepare meals when your mom is working and your dad is in the hospital and your brother and sister…. Please stop me before it’s too late!
You get the idea. NO question is to be avoided. And NEVER assume that the question has merit. Look upon it as merely an opportunity for you to show your stuff. Watch politicians on TV. They are really good at it. Well, most of them.
8. In fact, ask allies to ask you “friendly” questions so you may add to your previous speech. And help them with friendly questions of your own.
Q. We in
9. Finally, your country always has good intentions and is essentially seeking good results associated with lofty abstractions such as “peace, justice, equal opportunity, democracy, understanding, health, welfare, progress, conflict resolution”, et cetera and these goals are NOT easy. They involve “struggle, risk, blood, sweat, tears”, et cetera and sometimes mistakes are made by honest people who act for noble causes. After all, isn’t that what friendly fire is all about? We admit that sometimes collateral damage occurs (never say death and dismemberment) but it is a price that courageous peoples have always made. When you speak, think Viagra commercial.
Good luck!
10. Country research organizer
Fill out and add to the country outline on COWAC’s web page; get copies of other countries from your schoolmates. Build a country database: http://www.cowac.org/textmuntools.html#mun
© by Mike Keenan
In Model U.N. competition, delegates with superior
vocabulary often emerge the victor. You should assemble a glossary of terms
that you can use to your advantage. Here is a start:
Abrogation:
repeal of a law, treaty, or contract unilaterally or by mutual consent.
Accord: agreement without same
binding force as a treaty.
Achilles' heel: vulnerability.
Adjudication:
hearing and deciding a legal case in a court.
Aegis: power that protects. (aegis of the UN)
Affidavit: written declaration
signed and sworn under oath.
Affirmative action: preferential
treatment for women and minorities in business and education to redress
discrimination.
Amnesty: pardon of political or other offenders.
Appeasement: surrendering to unreasonable demands out of weakness or foolishness
Armistice: cessation of hostilities.
Arraignment:
court hearing where defendant is informed of rights and required to plea.
Autocracy: power rests with the
ruler.
Balkanization: break up into small, hostile units.
Bolshevism: synonymous with communism.
Bourgeois: associated with capitalists.
Boycott: refuse to do business with.
Cadre: nucleus for
a permanent military unit or most dedicated members of a political party.
Carpetbagger: an outsider.
Carter Doctrine: 1980 - "An attempt by any outside forces to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force."
Casus belli: act that that justifies declaration of war.
Chauvinism:
unreasonable, aggressive patriotism or contemptuous attitude as in male
chauvinism.
Christian Democrats: political
parties in several European countries, usually Roman Catholics.
Conservatism: political philosophy that support the status quo and advocates only moderate change.
Coup d'etat: sudden revolt in which control of a government is seized by force.
Covenant: binding agreement.
De facto: by the fact itself, whether right or not.
De jure: opposite
of de facto - by law.
Deflation: reduced economic
activity, falling prices and wages, less employment, and less imports.
Demagogue: tries to win political support by playing to fear and prejudice, building hatred for groups.
Demographics: science of statistics such as births, deaths, marriages
Depression:
prolonged business slump, low production, little capital investment, mass
unemployment.
Despot: a tyrant; a ruler with
absolute power.
Deterrence: defense policy that
ensures sufficient military power to deter a potential enemy.
Devaluation: reduction in the value of a nation's currency in relation to other currencies.D
Détente: easing of strained relations between states.
Dissident: one who protests government injustice or abuse.
Divide and rule: maintain power by keeping enemies divided and weak.
Doctrinaire: theoretical and impractical.
Draconian laws: cruel laws.
Elitism: leadership by a select group or elite.
Embargo: ban on trade with a specific country.
Envoy: sent by a
government to a foreign country for diplomatic business.
Ethnocentrism: belief in the
superiority of one's cultural, ethnic, or political group.
Fait accompli: an accomplished fact.
Fascism:
nationalistic, authoritarian, anti-communist movement founded by
Federation: state made up of a number of individual states that share power with the central government.
Fiat: order or decree issued by a legal authority.
Fifth column: treasonous faction supporting an enemy.
Fundamentalism: religious conservatism that takes the words of the Bible, or other sacred text, as literal truth.
Geopolitics: influence of geographic factors on international politics.
Hegemony:
dominance of a specific country as in Soviet hegemony.
Holocaust: extermination of
6,000,000 Jews by the Nazis in World War II.
Iconoclastic: one who attacks traditional institutions and beliefs.
Indoctrination: teaching of dogma, doctrine, principles, or beliefs, usually used in a negative sense.
Inflation: steadily rising prices, and falling purchasing power.
Injunction: legal
order preventing an individual or group from carrying out a certain action.
Insurgence: revolt or uprising
Ivory tower: a place cut off from the real world.
Jingoism: aggressive, warlike patriotism usually in a derogatory sense.
Junta: military
government.
Keynesianism: the economy has no self-balancing equilibrium that results in full employment. Governments have since accepted responsibility to provide full employment.
Laissez-faire: government should not intervene in the conduct of trade and industry.
Machiavellian: advocated use of duplicity and cunning in political affairs.
Macroeconomics: concerned with the overall picture of the economy, aggregates not individual parts. Malthusian: theory that the world's population grows faster than its food supply so famine, poverty, and war were natural checks against population growth.
Manifesto: public
statement of beliefs.
Marxism: all aspects of society such
as politics and religion conditioned by the economic system. Under capitalism,
society divided into two classes:
capitalists who own means of production and distribution, and workers or
proletariat whose labour is exploited by ruling class. Capitalism eventually
breaks down because of its own contradictions and this leads to proletarian
revolution and classless society.
McCarthyism: accused of subversion by smear and half-truths without supporting evidence.
Microeconomics:
the individual parts of an economy, rather than the aggregate.
Military-industrial complex:
political, economic and bureaucratic relationship between the Pentagon and its
network of defense contractors coined by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1961.
Mixed economy: elements from the free enterprise system combined with elements of socialism.
Natural law: law that governs the universe, instituted by God.
Nepotism: appointing relatives to positions for which others might are better qualified.
New Deal: social and economic programs enacted during the first and second terms of Franklin Roosevelt. Non-Aligned Movement: over 100 countries who do not belong to any military alliance.
Oligarchy:
control by a small group of individuals governing in their own interests.
Ombudsman: public official appointed
to investigate complaints about government agencies.
Paramilitary: forces work along side
of or in place of regular military forces.
Parochialism:
small, local, narrow thinking, opposed to universalism.
Partisan: reflecting one party on an
issue.
Petit bourgeois: lower middle
classes.
Philosopher king: the ruler should
also be the wisest person.
Plebiscite: vote by all on an important
issue.
Plenipotentiary:
person invested with full authority to act as a government representative.
Plutocracy: government by the wealthy.
Pragmatic:
whatever works rather than rely on ideology.
Preamble: introduction to a law or
constitution that describes its purpose.
Precedent: a judicial decision serving
as a guide for future decisions in similar cases.
Proletariat: the working class.
Protocol: a document that records the basic agreements reached in negotiations prior to the final form.
Proxy: someone who acts or votes on behalf of another.
Pyrrhic victory: the victor pays too high a price.
Quid pro quo: one thing for another
Quorum: number of
members that have to be present before official business may be conducted.
Realpolitik: politics based on
practical not theoretical or idealistic notions.
Recession: a contraction in the Gross National Product that lasts six months or longer.
Red herring: something irrelevant used to confuse or take attention away from the something else.
Referendum: national or local vote on a single issue.
Repatriation:
sending back of a person to his country of origin.
Republic: ultimate power resides in
the people, who elect representatives to participate in decision-making.
Revisionism: drastic reevaluation of an accepted theory or doctrine, or historical event.
Sanctions: punitive measures, to put pressure on a country to change its policy.
Sanctuary: place
of refuge or protection, where a person is immune from punishment by the law.
Sect: religious group that breaks
away from a mainstream church.
Secular: not
connected with religion.
Sedition: plotting against or resisting
a government.
Social contract: a state and its
citizens have an unwritten agreement between them.
Social Darwinism : survival of the fittest applied to human society.
Social justice: all individuals and groups in society are treated fairly and equally.
Stagflation: high
unemployment and inflation at the same time.
Straw vote: unofficial vote to
predict an official vote or to gauge the relative strength of
a candidates.
Suffrage: right to vote.
Symposium: conference for
discussion of a particular subject.
Tariff: surcharge on imported goods
and services to protect domestic products from foreign competition.
Theocracy: government
run by priests or clergy.
Tribunal: a court
or body empowered to hand down decisions.
Truman Doctrine:
Usury: loaning
money at excessively high rate of interest.
Utilitarianism: the duty of
government is to promote "the greatest good for the greatest number."
Utopia: an imaginary perfect place.
Vigilante: self-appointed individual or group to maintain law and order.
Vox populi: "voice of the people"
White elephant:
something of little use or profit, maintained at great expense.
Xenophobia: irrational dislike of
foreigners and foreign things.
Zealot: fanatic.
Zeitgeist: spirit of the times or prevailing current of thought and feeling in a society.
Zero-sum: gain
for one results in a loss for another.
Zionism: a movement for return of
the Jews to
Add more terms to this list
© by Mike Keenan
Information on your assigned country will improve your success. Well-prepared delegates work in facts about their countries whenever they speak. Besides formal speeches, include data in questions that are strategically phrased to other delegates. (ex: "In our country, such and such is the case, and this has proven successful. How do you explain your country’s use of such and such which does not appear favourable?" or: "In our country, our leader, so and so, has demonstrated that such and such is the case." or: "Our economy is based upon this stuff. How does what you are saying apply to us?") Your evaluation is determined in part by how well you portray your country. Research makes this the easiest component.
Rule number one: you are no longer a Canadian! You are the ambassador of the assigned foreign country. This is a good learning process. You will soon see world problems and solutions from the eyes of other countries. Some simulations encourage students to dress in the country’s national garb to help get into this spirit. You represent the people and government a non-Canadian country. Best you find out as much as you can about it!
Here is a brief organizer that will assist you. Many questions can be quickly answered by using a World Almanac reference book that contains information on every country. The pocketbook version is a wise purchase because it will give you important data on every other country as well. This helps you to understand important geographical, political, historical, cultural and economic differences and similarities.
24 Essential Things to Know
Your assigned country: __________________________________
1) Size: ______________________________________________
2) Location & neighbours: ________________________________
a) Major resources in that area: ____________________________
b) Major problems in that area: ____________________________
3) Population (by age groups if possible): _____________________
4) Population density: ____________________________________
5) Population growth rate, life expectancy: ____________________
6) Language(s): ________________________________________
7) Religion(s), percentages, issues: __________________________
8) History
9) Form of government: __________________________________________________________
10) Government leaders and parties: ________________________________________________
11) Economic system: circle – capitalism, socialism, communism, other
12) Type of economy: circle – agricultural, industrial, diversified, other
13) Gross National Product & average income: ________________________________________
14) Natural resources: ___________________________________________________________
15) Imports -- amount, item & country: ______________________________________________
16) Exports – amount, item & country: ____________________________________________________________________________
17) From above, foreign trading partners in order of importance to you:
a)
b)
c)
d)
18) Do you receive or provide foreign aid (technical or economic)? Amount? From or to whom?
19) Allies: _______________________________________________________________
20) Enemies: _____________________________________________________________
21) UN bloc: Western, Communist, African, Arab, Asian, Latin America, Non-aligned
22) Member of which international organizations: UN, NATO, EEC, OAS, OAU, SEATO,
ASEAN, GATT, Warsaw Pact, others:
23) Anything else pertinent – example: strong minorities, opposition in your country –
24) Other interesting facts:
a) motto:
b) flag, national symbols:
c) national anthem:
d) capital city:
e) national game, sport:
© by Mike Keenan
The most difficult mind-set to change particularly with elementary students but also quite evident in high school debates, is the portrayal of foreign policy that is filtered through a North American bias. This is a natural inclination, yet we should try to immerse students in the culture and history of the country that they represent.
There are several web sites that will help. Flags of the World is quite helpful. http://flagspot.net/flags/ Each country’s flag is portrayed. There are additional links to provide background on each flag, references which could be worked into a delegate’s speech, making the delegate more knowledgeable and comfortable with the assigned country.
At this
site, for example, the Canadian flag has sections devoted to: Canadian flag etiquette,
the Prime
Minister, Canadian
Provinces, Territories and Regions and Cities links, Coat of Arms of Canada and Provinces,
and Historic, Cultural, Economic
Government links.
Students should fill out this organizer:
1. Country:
2. Draw or reproduce a coloured version of the flag.
3. When was the flag adopted?
4. What is the flag’s nick-name if any?
5. Explain the colours and symbols used and their origins.
6. Is there a pledge to the flag and what is it?
Another immersion technique is the national anthem. Again, lyrics might be worked into a speech. National anthems for each country may be found at this useful site: http://www.thenationalanthems.com/ Lyrics may be found at: http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Library/9897/
7. What are the lyrics to your national anthem?
8. Translate them into English. (or another language)
ã
by Mike KeenanFor a quick source of information on any country,
A) go to Answers.com at
http://www.answers.com/ and type in: foreign relations of… (insert your country name), and you will be provided with an overview of your assigned nation.
B) go to Wikipedia at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia and type in the name of your country.
The initial task and prime obstacle for all students is a basic understanding of the foreign policies that they must defend as a representative of the country that they have been assigned. Most often, the biggest drawback is a North American bias vis-a-vis other countries. This is understandable as the established North American media generally portrays only one viewpoint on world events.
Thus, Rule Number One: you are no longer a Canadian! You are a Kenyan or an Indonesian or Swedish or the ambassador of whatever country you have been assigned. You speak for THAT nation. No other. This is where the fun begins! However, always remember, you must represent that nation accurately. We have recently added media links to the world press in our research section. Now, you may read newspapers from all over the world!
The best place to begin all of your research is right at our site.You will notice a Research section on our main page. It is composed of many useful Links and a separate COWAC search engine that will allow you to search through all of our study guides.
One practice that most MUN's support is that they allow delegates to dress in the native garb of their specific country. For example, wearing a robe and a headband might help make you feel more like an Arab. Anything that you can do to get into the shoes of a person from that country will make your role easier. If native dress is not an option, delegates dress as they would at the actual U.N. building. Time to get out the shirt, tie and suit, gentlemen! U.N. delegates do not wear jeans!
Sometimes, you will represent the most powerful economic nations in the world. On other occasions, you will represent the poorest, most backward countries on earth. During these varied experiences, you will begin to discover firsthand how various groups of countries act in their own best interests. You will uncover both allies and enemies. You will struggle with common problems and those unique to your country. You might have access to nuclear energy and satellite technology or you may be placed farther back in an agrarian economy, dependant on animals rather than machines.
If you are portraying a poor country, the issue of foreign aid will allow you to court other nations, often, however, at the expense of various tradeoffs. To succeed and prosper, you will become a strong negotiator. At MUN's, despite your country's relative stance in the world pecking order, you will have what every other nation there wants and desperately needs: one vote. That evens up the playing field. In fact, many students soon realize that it is far easier and advantageous to represent a country that others do not know much about versus one of those whose faults are always on display on CNN.
Politically, you might live in a democratic country or under the rule of a despot. Your country might welcome diverse religious choice or be committed to narrow fundamentalism. You might represent China with one-quarter of the population of the entire world or a nation of miniscule proportions. Your country may be at peace or at war. Your key initial contacts should be officials of those particular countries in Canada or at the UN itself, in New York City. We have links provided for you to accomplish this in our COWAC Search Engine & Links section. (see main page)
To succeed at any Model United Nations, a delegate needs to be well prepared by research into the following key areas: General information concerning the nation and/or region that they are representing and specific information on the current position taken on the simulation's issues or topics.
Libraries do not always contain adequate information to thoroughly deal with these issues. It is often useful to write directly to a representative of "your" country for some specific information. Remember these simple guidelines: Write early! You are not likely to be a top priority for an embassy's diplomat. Four to six weeks (or more) may be required for a reply Use the full address and direct the letter to the attention of the "Public Information Officer" Be brief and business-like, but be certain to identify yourself and your role, the exact nature of the topic(s) and the exact type of material requested. Request copies of any statements or policy papers made on your topic. Also request a copy of the opening speech at the beginning of the current U.N. General Assembly. Frequently, this speech will provide good background material on that country's views of the most vital issues of the day.
The more specific you can be, the easier it is for the official to organize relevant information and get your request en route to you. If possible, type the letter in full business letter format on school letterhead. Look professional! Remember your return address!! Remember that English is probably not the first language of communication for "your" country, and indicate if you can work with materials in another language. For French or Spanish-speaking countries, this device, with your teacher's concurrence, could easily become an interesting component of your high school language course.
For both efficient country and issue research, our COWAC Search Engine & Links page has been designed to allow you to perform all of your research from our site alone. >From our site, you may easily research your country, world issues, treaties and conventions, material from the U.N., etc., etc.
In fact, you will end up with far more material than you know what to do with. This becomes a MUN skill, prioritizing material. During the course of debate, you may work in your material to demonstrate that you know your country and its foreign policy. Anyone can prepare for a specific issue; however, your task is quite different and more challenging. You must accurately represent the country that you have been allotted.
Often, you will be arguing against things that you as a Canadian, might not actually believe in. This is one of the goals of MUN, to force you to look at all sides of an issue. You will become a far superior debater when you are able to see all sides.
A word of warning: if you represent countries that play a large role in world issues, you had best know their foreign policy. I recently witnessed a Russian delegate in an "experienced" Security Council simulation actually vote against his veto power! Knowledge of foreign policy should constitute a large portion of the delegate's evaluation. Otherwise, the simulation is lacking in history, accuracy and depth.
Use our COWAC Search Engine & Links section to your advantage! There, you will find amongst other things, links to:
Begin your speeches and questions with allusions to your country even if it is only your country's name. Every time you speak, even in caucus, try to bring in some relevant information about your country. You are the ambassador!
Position
Papers
ã by Mike Keenan
As part of the research process
prior to an MUN competition, delegates are often asked to submit a position
paper. This is a brief overview, which clearly outlines the delegate's strategy
vis-a-vis the committee issues and the country that
is being represented. It indicates to both conference organizers and faculty
advisors whether or not the student is on track. It is a valuable early warning
sign if something is amiss. More importantly, whether the position paper is
demanded or not, its use will serve as an important organizer from which the
delegate may maintain consistent direction.
Long essay type position papers in
which the student rewrites the history of the nation are counter-productive. A
simple organizer that is succinct is needed. After all, it is basically
employed as a road map.
I have enjoyed an opportunity to
participate in a workshop led by Harvard's Roger Fisher, co-author of Getting
To Yes. As a consequence, this conference position
paper outline is adapted from co-author, William Ury
and his work, Getting Past No.
Students are first encouraged to
read the following material and to research their country carefully before
writing a position paper.
Key
Concepts
1) Interests
In multi-country negotiations on
specific issues, joint problem solving centers upon the interests that lie
behind each side's position. Your position will normally state the concrete
things that you say that you want - the specific terms and conditions. Your
interests, however, are the motives behind that position: your fears, desires,
needs, concerns, aspirations. To achieve agreements that begin to satisfy all
sides, you need to begin by trying to determine the nature of each side's
interests. An obvious interest for all states is security. This applies to the
state in its geographical position amidst allies and foes and also the state’s
domestic political security involving an interaction with its citizens.
a) Your interests may be determined
by asking why? Why does
b) Their interests - place yourself
in their shoes; forget your perception of the facts. What is their perception
of the facts? Why do they act as they do? Why would someone deliberately bomb
civilians?
2) Options
Once you know each side's interests,
you can try to develop creative options. These are possible agreements or parts
of agreements. Effective diplomats must learn how to expand the pie rather than
slice a diminished area. Common mistakes at this point are single solutions or
counterproductive criticism and evaluation versus suspended judgment, which
will enable multiple ideas. Try to keep your options open. Another mistake is
to try to accomplish too much, to solve all the problems of the world. Be
realistic. Often, a major achievement is simply to get two adversarial sides
together to talk.
3) Standards
A contest of wills degenerates into
a conflict of egos. Effective negotiators search for fair and mutually
satisfying solutions. Fair standards are useful measuring sticks that will help
lead to fair solutions. These include the law, precedent, equal treatment,
market value, UN resolutions and such. The key is that all sides may more
easily defer to that which is seen to be fair.
4) Alternatives
The purpose of negotiation is not
always to reach an agreement. The purpose of negotiation is to explore whether
you can satisfy your interests better through an agreement versus pursuit of
your own best alternative to a negotiated agreement. (BATNA) This is a
significant issue.
The better your
BATNA, the more leverage and power you will enjoy. For example, in the Security
Council, a permanent member's BATNA might be a veto. If your BATNA's are weak, they may be developed and strengthened.
In addition, several weaker countries might ultimately form a stronger
alliance. Often, there are ready-made country blocs to help facilitate this.
You must lobby and caucus with your fellow delegates. This is a significant
portion of the MUN process. The use of a veto might cause lack of cooperation
on other issues. You must assess the pro’s & con’s
of each alternative, both short term & long term.
5) Proposals
Try to select an option that
satisfies your interest particularly one better than your BATNA.
a) Aspirations: countries that begin
with realistically high aspirations often enjoy better agreements.
Realistic aspirations are bound however, by standards of fairness and the
other's BATNA.
b) Content with: what agreement, far
from perfect, would satisfy my basic interests to make me reasonably content?
c) Live with: What agreement would
satisfy my interests marginally better than my BATNA?
ã
by Mike Keenan
Mark /20
Your committee:________________________
Your Country:__________________________
Your name(s): ___________________/_______________________
Your School:_________________________
Choose:
a) a topic or issue from the study guide: _______________________________________________________________________
b) a country in your committee, deemed to be adversarial on the topic: ______________________________________________
Carefully fill in the following organizer:
| Your Interests: | Their Interests: |
| 1. | 1. |
| 2. | 2. |
| 3. | 3. |
Your Options:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Standards (be specific):
1.
2.
3.
4.
Your BATNA (Best alternative to a negotiated settlement):
Their perceived BATNA:
Proposals (be specific):
1) Aspirations:
2) Content with:
3) Live with:
Finally: Summarize your county's position on one of the assigned topics. More importantly, indicate some ways in which your strategies might be altered or adjusted during the conference debate. Type one-quarter page.
In smaller committees, the chair will often allow opening speeches by each country. In the larger committees, the chair might designate one nation to be the honorary opening speaker.
Keep this outline handy during the debate. Refer to it, and use it to help guide your efforts in debate and caucus. It will help to make you appear consistent and keep you on track.
Sample
Position Paper
Your committee: Security Council
Your Country:
Your name(s): Ryan Sills
Your School: A.N. Myer
a) a topic
or issue from the study guide: Conflict between
b) a country
in your committee, deemed to be adversarial on the topic:
Your interests:
1.
Demonstrate
power & security to homeland & world.
2.
Maintain
3.
Stability
of supply & price of oil
4.
Prosecute
the war on terrorism
Their interests:
1.
A secure
border with
2.
Fear of
Turkish-Israel alliance
3.
Halt
aggressive actions of
4.
End
Israeli occupation of Palestian land &
Your Options:
1.
Denounce
terrorist acts & encourage resumption of peace talks.
2.
Seek a
multilateral solution through coalition building, which results in pressure
from all sides on the parties to negotiate a settlement.
3.
Provide
economic & perhaps military support for nations who prosecute terrorists.
Standards:
1.
Negotiated
peace.
2.
Rule of
law.
3.
Mediated
settlement.
4.
Cessation
of hostilities to allow dialogue.
Your BATNA (Best alternative to a
negotiated settlement): Veto any resolution which targets
Their perceived BATNA: Continue to
condemn Israeli actions and peace initiatives that do not include the Golan.
Proposals
1) Aspirations: A permanent solution
which provides for
2) Content with:
Resumption of peace talks.
3) Live with: An
end to hostilities.
|
|
|
|
Research Tips
By Chris Bittle, Shannon-Marie Soni and
Mike Keenan
The
following is an outline that may be used by teachers and students to prepare
for MUN activities:
Discussion
of bias
…or why you
should not get China’s foreign policy from a Tom Clancy book.
· Everything in politics is contestable…all writing is slanted in
one way or another, even the author who states that he/she is basing their work on
empirical data.
History
…issues in
MUN can most often be rooted in history.
It explains much about a given situation…ie Muslim/Serb conflict began
on the Field of Blackbird in 1389 at the Battle of Kossovo and not a few years
ago with some random ethnic cleansing.
· Look at old UN resolutions about a given situation.
· Often nations will act in predictable ways….ie the US will not
send troops to Africa, China is opposed to the decline in importance of state
sovereignty (ie NATO attack on Kossovo)
· Go through the resources
available, focusing on the wonderful tool that is the internet…explain some
websites….major benefits and downfalls.
· www.un.org ….great website…first one that we will rely on this year for
a research project of our own…however be careful because the internet can also
be a vast wasteland.
· Discuss books (remember
those dust covered things in the school library), embassies, journals,
newspapers and TV news. What is the alternative press? Who is Noam Chomsky and
why is he not allowed into the mainstream press?
· Touch briefly on the fact that School Libraries may not be the
best place to do research (even though their librarians may be great)…Use the
University Library particularly if they have UN resources.
· What to do when you have to represent a Micro-state….it may be
difficult to find the foreign policy of Mauritius for the next couple of years
in the Security Council.
· Look at regional interests, alliances and organizations.
· Examine economic interests – if 75% of their trade is with the
US, they will probably be friendly to American policies.
· The same with foreign aid.
· Be aware of the domestic politics, the political splits and
leaders and how that impinges on foreign policy. A good example is Israel’s Knesset. The role and power of the
fundamentalist minority, etc.
Quotes to Spark Discussion
Words of
Wisdom
· France will remain in Algeria. The bonds linking metropolitan France and Algeria are indissoluble.
Guy Mollet, French P. M., 1956
·
After Chiang Kai-Shek has landed and maintained himself for three months on the
mainland, the communist menace to Asia will be finished and the whole of Asia
will turn anti-Communist.
Henry
Luce, Publisher of Time, 1952
· Castro has been accused of communist sympathies, but this means very little since all opponents of the regime are automatically called communists. In fact, he is further to the right than General Batista.
The Economist, 1958
· Don't ask me to make diplomatic relations with Israel. Never.
Anwar Sadat, Egyptian President, 1970
· The French people are incapable of regicide.
King Louis XVI of France, 1789
· The socialist German Democratic Republic and the capitalist Federal German Republic cannot be merged, let alone reunited. It is impossible as bringing together fire and water.
Oskar Fischer, East German Foreign Minister
· Confidence exists between me and my people. They trust me. I trust in them.
The Shah of Iran, 1974
· Thank you for your continued support in our mutual efforts to suppress illicit drug trafficking and to ensure a safer and healthier environment for all of our citizens.
William French Smith, U.S. Attorney General, letter to Manuel Noriega, 1984
· Gaiety is the most outstanding feature of the Soviet Union.
Joseph Stalin, 1935
· We have the happiest Africans in the world.
Ian Smith, Prime Minister of Rhodesia, 1971
Add your own!
These MUN grads represent a
wealth of knowledge from years of debate and chairing. As many will chair at
INMUN, you may readily observe what they look for.
Tipster:
Novice: 1. Stay calm; the
best speakers are those who are cool and collected. 2. Don't fear your chairs,
they aren't there to judge you, they are there to moderate and help you to proceed hassle free. 3. TALK. Don’t sit for two days, wasting
it by being too nervous to do what you came to do.
Experienced: 1. Don't come to win an award at all costs. 2. If you're going
to bring a working paper, keep it short and simple to build on it with others. 3. Treat
chairs with courtesy. Give them gifts: TV sets, iPods,
etc.
Tipster: Chris Bittle
Novice & Experienced: 1)
research: knowledge is power. 2) research: It never
hurts to do more. 3) research: Don't get lazy by
researching on the net. Books and journals can often be better. This is a
competition; you will never be hurt by knowing more than the person next to
you. 4) quality of debate beats quantity (though you
do have to speak)
Tipster:
Novice: 1. SPEAK UP! Don't be
afraid to stand and offer your country's opinion on something. 2. Don't
read and mumble. Know your main points; use paper for reference.
Look people in the eye. Provoke a reaction. 3. Don't go at it all
alone. Someone on council has a position similar to yours. Find
them. Pool resources. Gather
support. Check you bloc.
Experienced:
1. KNOW YOUR STUFF.
Research: any fact about your country that may come up. 2. Debate is
never entirely in the open. If you can get more done in a smaller group
of allies, go for it. Grab people, pull them into the hall; get
working. You are under no obligation to stay in your assigned seat for
the entire debate, in fact, most chairs discourage it. 3. The ultimate goal is
NOT to pass resolutions. Excellent debates get sidetracked because everyone
wants to rush into a vote.
Tipster:
Novices: 1. Study your
foreign policy, but branch out to other sources of information (government
documents, books, etc.) 2. Don't be
afraid to participate. 3. Know your
allies. Be ahead of the game when it
comes time to caucus.
Experienced: 1. Study! There is always more to learn! Keep a well-organized binder of notes! 2.
Know other countries’ foreign policy. This helps with caucus.
Tipster:
Novice: 1, Be
focused. Know what's best for you and focus on getting that accomplished.
2,Don't be afraid to be controversial. There's
diplomacy and tact, and there's meek and unproductive. Be the former not
the latter. 3.Ask questions, and make mistakes. It's
the fastest, most efficient way to learn.
Experienced: 1. Don't ramble. The best speeches/statements/points etc.
are short, sweet, and direct. Fancy footwork just confuses the council
and lessens the impact. 2.Know the stats: a good
supply of up-to-date facts, statements, etc. is great for lobbying support and
gaining trust as a leader. 3. Don't be afraid to be controversial.
Tipster:
Novices: 1. Know your
country, but also the topic; don't get bogged down on fluff: the colours of your flag. 2. Get on the speaker’s list, but be
prepared - plan your speech ahead. Do
not simply agree with points; if you can't add something constructive, be
quiet. 3. Use un-moderated caucuses; do not abuse them. Talk to everyone in the
room, not just your bloc
Experts: 1. Keep it simple: short
meaningful comments beat long ramblings. 2. Be
prepared to compromise: if you forge a resolution with most of your main
interests, you will be successful.
3. Have fun: don't take things personally; likewise, do
not personally attack others.
Tipster:
Novices: 1. Speak up but
say something relevant; add to the debate. 2. Don't aim for a quick fix: UN
pros haven't
been able to solve their issues. Concentrate on your country: what your
government is willing and not willing to do to help. 3. Preparation,
preparation, preparation!
Tipster:
Novice: 1: Don't assume a country's policy will be in
the best interest of the majority of its citizens. 2: Don't be in a rush to pass a resolution;
debate is more meaningful if it isn't hurried. 3: Don't be afraid to speak up: ask questions,
and try some motions in the procedure guide!
Experienced: 1: Speaking
every turn and getting your name on every working paper is no measure of
success. Aim for substance. 2: Try "strategic procedure." Yield to friendly delegates and coordinate
speaking points to maximize effect. Make
the right motions at the right time to ensure debate goes in the direction you
want. 3: Be nuanced in your
positions. You don't have to be entirely
"for or against" a non-resolution proposal.
Tipster:
Novices: 1. Remember: you are
no longer a Canadian; you are an Ambassador of your country. 2. Do not let
personal feelings influence policy decisions. 3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Experienced: 1. Remember your allies and your enemies & act accordingly.
2. Speaking a lot doesn't mean you're the best speaker. 3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH,
RESEARCH
Tipster:
Novices: 1. Have a plan -
know what it is that you want to accomplish. 2. Write it down - get your ideas
on paper so that you can share them with others. 3. Listen - don't hesitate to
recognize when other people have great ideas too.
Tipster: Chris Pang
Novice: 1. Do your research,
and do it well. Know your country's foreign policy inside-out and explore every
possible angle or perspective to a given issue, especially those your country
would not necessarily subscribe to. 2. Don't be afraid to speak-up and take
charge when things get off-track during an un-moderated caucus. 3. Most
importantly: HAVE FUN! You are the representative of a member-nation to the
United Nations. Get into character and take advantage of every opportunity to
speak and make yourself (and your nation) heard. If you don't, others will.
Experienced: 1. Do your
research, and do it well. Know your country's foreign policy inside-out and
explore every possible angle or perspective to a given issue, especially those
your country would not necessarily subscribe to. 2. Know the MUN rules like the
back of your hand, and learn to use them to your advantage. 3. Exploit every opportunity to build
alliances and get support for your ideas outside of formal committee; like the
real United Nations, most of the work in Model United Nations gets done outside
of formal session (e.g. un-moderated caucus, after session is adjourned,
etc.).
Tipster:
Novices: 1. Research! Nuances of
foreign policy and difficult problems take time and work. 2. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. 3. Have some things written down - a clear idea
of what to argue for. Having a first speech ready, you may volunteer for the
speaker’s list right away.
Experienced: 1. Research! These
problems aren’t static. 2. People who do
well spend time thinking about the nuances of the problem & arrive at
creative solutions. 3. Be willing to compromise.
Tipster:
Novice and Experienced: 1,
Know your foreign policy. 2, No “Ums,” “likes,” “you
knows.” 3. Take your role seriously. 4. Know when to talk and when not to. 5.
Use body language to articulate your thoughts.
6. Know your stuff...don't
try to bluff!
Tipster: Elizabeth Scott
Novice: 1, Know
your country and its views; be prepared. 2, Know subject
background and key terms. 3. Be confident when
speaking; others agree when you sound knowledgeable.
Experienced: 1. No personal
attacks; it always weakens your side. 2. Anticipate counter arguments.
3. Cite facts come from
credible sources.
Tipster:
Novice: 1, Use the Study
guide merely as a research springboard: don’t assume you are finished. 2, Have
a well thought-out, polished opening speech. First impressions are
important. Don't stop there. Make sure your speeches are logical
and relevant to the topic. 3. Don't be afraid to contact your actual mission to
the UN. They are a wealth of information!
Experienced: 1. Keep
well-versed on current international news & developments. 2. Write a
position paper before debate, required or not to help get you organized. 3.
Think of yourself as a lawyer; use well-documented examples in speeches and
ideas for resolutions.
Tipster:
Novice: 1. Ask for help when
you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask the chair, staff advisors, fellow debaters
for help on any topic - rules of procedure, foreign policy (although you may
not want to ask fellow debaters about this one), topics, etc. 2. Research your
nation’s foreign policy to represent your country properly on many topics in a
wide range of situations. 3. Don't
forget to have fun.
Experienced: 1. Small African
nations can be easier to represent because few know their foreign policy and
when you represent a third world nation, the victory is so much sweeter. 2.
RESEARCH! Experienced debaters get into the habit of thinking they are
experts on everything. 3. Your country has internal political, economic
and social issues which project themselves onto the world stage. For
example, would
Tipster:
Novices: 1. Do not let personal opinion interfere with the policy of
your country. 2. It is okay to compromise. 3. Do not create
unrealistic alliances with countries you would never work with.
Experienced: 1. Tirelessly research the topic and your country. 2. It’s okay to make passionate speeches (i.e. raising
your voice) 3. Do not ever break foreign policy
Tipster: Mr. Keenan
Novices & Experienced:
1. Approach this interaction with the
mindset that it’s an opportunity to: a) Have fun. b) Learn.
c) Meet some neat people. d) Challenge yourself. e) Improve your communication
skills.
2. Body language is as important (or more)
than what you say. a) Stand tall. b)
Make eye contact. c) Speak loudly & clearly & don’t mumble. d) Smile, even if forced. e) Command respect:
don’t speak if there’s too much noise in the room; ask the chair for “order.”
3. You are THE AMBASSADOR. Act like it. This
is not
4. Demonstrate
that you are a mover and shaker even if from Gambia: assist others (and
yourself) with foreign policy, speeches, amendments, resolutions; take charge:
use your knowledge; exhibit leadership; steer the debate; isolate opponents;
form alliances; determine realistic goals, things you can accomplish. Learn
from arguments of others.
5. You may get
by on charisma vs. weak opponents, but through research is the only way to beat
the best.
Working Papers
Working papers are the
result of caucus and coordinated writing efforts to represent the first step
towards a resolution. Working papers provides delegates with exactly what the
name suggests, something with which to work. It is the first attempt to
organize the abstract ideas from debate and position papers into written form.
Working papers are
concrete. They are formalized yet; they are also flexible because they are not
bound by the format of resolutions. They are usually one-page proposals and
help focus discussion on certain aspects of the entire topic at hand.
As the papers are rough
drafts, they can become combined or altered to piece together a coherent
resolution. The director has power over the working paper process; the paper
must be approved by the directors but requires no delegate signatures before it
can be copied and distributed.
Working
Paper Guide
The purpose is to
clearly communicate the interests of one or more countries.There is no set
format for working papers; the following is one example of a possible working
paper. To facilitate the process, working papers should include the name and
topic of the committee and should list the countries that wrote the paper.
Pending the approval of the director, a working paper may be copied and
distributed to the committee.
Sample Working Paper
Committee:The
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Topic:
Generalized System of Preferences
I. Each DC reduces their tariffs to the
lowest level possible. Subcommittee created below will determine
this level.
2 Bilateral
trade agreements should be pursued for further reduction in tariffs.
3. Trade preferences should be granted in
the following areas: agriculture, manufacturing, semi-manufacturing, and raw materials.
4. Decisions
on product coverage are made in consultation with the affected LDC. Annual
re-evaluation of coverage shall take place with disputes
going to the subcommittee created below.
5. A subcommittee of UNCTAD should be
created with equal membership of developed and developing countries. The
subcommittee would have the following powers:
A) Mediate disputes
between preference givers and receivers.
B) Make recommendations,
which all countries should follow.
C) Serve as a forum for
airing grievances relating to the GSP.
D) Report regularly to
the Secretary General.
6. Membership
should be as follows:
A) Five permanent
nation's from the DC's.
B) Five permanent
nations from the LDC's and LLDC's.
C) Ten members elected
annually by UNCTAD.
7. Voting rights will have to be worked
out, but the UN format for subcommittees seems best. Of course, we are amenable
to change.
Model United Nations Procedure:
Guide For Novice's
© by Mike Keenan
For debate to run smoothly and efficiently, the committee's delegates must follow an agreed-upon procedure. This guide will explain some key concepts and outline a typical committee scenario.
In debate, there are three types of consideration:
1. Formal Consideration: Your country must be on the speaker's list in order to speak. There is usually a time limit for your speech, which may be adjusted (increased or decreased) as the debate proceeds.
2. Informal Consideration: Delegates simply raise their placards in order to be recognized in ad hoc fashion by the chair. The time limit for discussion may be flexible and at the discretion of the chair. Often, there will be a rapid-fire exchange from one country to another. The chair must moderate this sequence in order to maintain order. Informal discussion is a good technique to brainstorm, problem-solve, gather data and flesh out issues. The chair must ensure that delegates stay on track.
3.Caucus: This involves important discussion and arm-twisting in both large and small informal groups. The non-moderated discussion allows nations to actively lobby each other for ideas and support. There is normally a time limit set by the chair. If there are two delegates assigned per team, good strategy would dictate for one to lobby the actual bloc that the delegate is attached to and the other listen in on the strategy being discussed by the rest. Because of the latter strategy, some caucus groups will move to more private areas, outside the committee room. In full day and multi-day debates, informal "caucus" may take place anywhere including lunch or at night on the phone. In this fashion, delegates follow the actual practice employed by real diplomats. Although hard to monitor, a good conference will evaluate the performance of delegates during caucus. (see MUN Tools for more notes on country blocs.)
In debate, Points (of Order) largely determine procedure. The following are important types:
1. Point of Order: Used to correct a mistake in the parliamentary procedure.
2. Point of Parliamentary Procedure: Used to inquire about proper procedure. The chair will rule and explain.
3. Point of Information: Used to correct or ask some information.
4. Point of Personal Privilege: Used to alleviate a personal discomfort or distraction that impedes your participation in debate. (noise, room temperature, volume, movement, etc.)
When a delegate speaks during formal consideration, s/he may Yield time to another delegate. This is a difficult decision because most delegates wish to maximize their own speaking time. Sometimes, it is done as a favour to a like-minded country. Some delegates believe that a yield to another is a sign of weakness. You will have to determine if it fits within your overall strategy or not.
When speaking, Yields are as follows:
1. Yield to the Chair: The remaining time is left to the chair, and s/he will normally select the next speaker. Yielding one's remaining time to the chair prevents anyone from asking you tough questions, but it also indicates a weak position. If you want to avoid the hot seat yet curry favour, why not yield to a friendly country?
2. Yield to Questions: This is the preferred course. The speaker's remaining time is utilized for question(s) on the delegate's speech. Only questions on the speech are permitted. This demonstrates that the delegate is both secure and prepared to deal with harsh objections. Beware that by yielding your remaining time to questions from the floor, you allow adversaries to lead off with their own mini-speech preamble before they actually ask their question.
If you see this happening, immediately interrupt the mini-speech by saying to the chair: "Point of order, is there a question?" The chair will normally concur and demand a specific question. Another strategy that you might promote in your caucus is to encourage friendly nations to ask non-aggressive questions, which will provide you with yet another springboard for extended speeches.
3.Yield to Another Delegate: As above. The remaining time is given to another delegate.
If a delegate has said some extremely uncomplimentary things about your country, you might stand up and say: Right of Reply. Here, a delegate is given the opportunity to defend the nation's integrity after being slandered or misrepresented. A right of reply will not be granted in cases of personal (versus country) slander. Right of reply is granted at the chair's discretion, and should not be abused. If the chair grants such an action, the offending party will be asked if they wish to apologize. Slandering your fellow delegates does not impress either them or the chair.
Resolutions: This is what the committee is aiming at, a particular recommended course of action that will adequately address some specific issue. The proposed resolution forms the basis of debate.
Committees should not try to pass a resolution no matter what. The resolution must be viable. Because there are multiple interests and countries, this becomes a difficult process. A resolution can be the product of a productive council. It outlines the recommendations suggested by the committee. Often, a resolution, in order to pass, will be changed or amended a great deal such that the majority can live with it. If you are provided with a ready-made resolution for debate at your conference, be aware that there will be many weaknesses deliberately built into it to encourage this process of amendment.
Voting: In the Security Council, there are five veto powers. They are the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russian Federation, and China. These nations may arbitrarily vote 'no' to a resolution, and it is automatically defeated. In all other bodies, there are no veto powers, and you will operate on a simple majority. If a permanent member country might veto your resolution, your strategy might be to try and persuade that country to abstain in the vote. Otherwise, in the other committees, everyone has one vote and is therefore, a potential ally for a simple majority. There is no advantage in other committees to being a permanent member. In fact, they are often greatly outnumbered by other blocs.
Committee Procedure: A Typical Flow Chart
For the novice to get a better idea of how things actually happen in committee, the following is the sort of procedural dynamic that will typically occur:
1) Motion to open debate. Some chairs will simply declare debate open. If this is the case, there is no need to utilize this motion.
2) Motion to set agenda. The topics are usually set ahead of time. If there are multiple topics, a speaker for and a speaker for and against are required. A vote is taken, and the majority rules.
3) Motion to open the speaker's list. All nations wishing to be on the speaker's list raise their placards or write a note to the chair.
4) Motion to set a time limit on speeches. Used in formal consideration only.
At this point procedure can move in many directions. For example, after a few speakers, the following may occur:
5) Remain in formal consideration (on speaker's list)
OR
6) Motion to move into informal consideration. If the latter, after much discussion, there are many ideas, therefore -
7) If in informal consideration, motion to move back into formal consideration.
8) You might motion for a caucus (usually 5 -10 minutes). The purpose would be to further develop the ideas into a working paper, and to obtain sponsors in support of these ideas. A working paper is the beginning of a resolution. There might be several working papers being developed by different groups at the same time. Your task is to bring together those that are similar into a larger more powerful bloc that will enjoy greater chance at success. (votes)
9) After the caucus, the council is back in formal consideration. Someone may motion to move into informal consideration, or you will remain in formal consideration. (Speaker's list)
10) After collaboration, the working paper needs to be presented to the chair with the sponsoring countries listed. Often, you will be given a minimum number of sponsors to obtain before the chair will look at your working paper.
11) If the chair deems your working paper to be in order, indicate that your nation wishes to introduce it as a resolution before the council.
12) Once the chair has approved the working paper (proper format, spelling and grammar), the chair will allow for it to be introduced.
13) In order to introduce a working paper, the council must be in formal consideration. The speaker's list will be utilized.
14) The nation that led the writing of the working paper will read it to the council. The time limit is suspended for the duration of the reading.
15) The chair acknowledges that the working paper is now a resolution. Debate continues over the resolution until it is ready to be finally voted upon. When the resolution has been amended, and is meets the satisfaction of the council,
16) Motion to enter voting procedure. A speaker for and a speaker against are required at this time. Simple majority rules. Another way to end debate and force a vote is to move that the speaker's list be closed, which effectively stops debate by preventing additional countries to speak. The chair will not normally allow this if considered premature and much too early in the debate.
At this time, there are several motions that could be made.
a) Motion to divide question. This motion allows the council to separate the operative clauses into sections. For example, if a resolution were composed of seven clauses, each recommending some specific course of action, each section would then be voted on separately. This might be a last ditch effort by some nations to vote down one particular clause (or more) that they cannot live with.
OR
b) Roll call vote. Each nation is called upon in alphabetical order. Each nation may say yes, no, abstain or pass. If a pass is taken, the chair returns to that delegate. At this point, the delegate may say yes or no. Abstentions are no longer permitted.
If the resolution is passed, a new topic is selected. If the resolution is not passed, the resolution fails and does not exist. The topic goes back into debate. Try not to rush through your topic merely to pass a resolution. Often, because of the nature of the topic and a complete lack of consensus, a resolution simply cannot be passed. Students must accurately represent the interests of their foreign country. You are no longer good-natured Canadians. You might be imperialistic, socialist, rich or poor. You might be one of many world faiths including those that you don't necessarily agree with. Your country might treat women as equals to men or keep them servile. You might sanction terrorism or look the other way at it. The key is that you must execute an accurate portrayal. In multi-day conferences, one topic might be discussed for many hours and several days. Keep in mind that some of these U.N. issues have been argued for years, not mere days. It's up to you to be creative yet not sacrifice your country's interests. You will be evaluated on how well you can perform this difficult task.
Suggested Rules of Procedure for MUN's
General Rules
1. Powers of the Chair - The chair enjoys absolute power, and reserves the right to take whatever measures deemed necessary in order to ensure decorum. The president and officers make all decisions regarding motions, amendments, questions, etc.
2. Staff - Pages may be on hand for the service of delegates through the chair.
3. Delegations - Each delegation will have a predetermined number of students, which will vary with the committee.
4. Participation of Non-Members - Any nation or organization with observer status has full rights of member nations except the right to vote. Any non-member who is not an observer must seek permission from the president before commencing any activity.
5. Courtesy - Along with respect for the authority of the chair, delegates must be courteous to staff and other delegates.
6. Agenda - If the chair deems it appropriate, this will be the first order of business for the committee. The only motion entertained is one to place a certain resolution on the floor for debate. This motion requires a second. After hearing both sides of the issue (pro & con speakers), the assembly votes with a simple majority passing.
Speaking
1. Speaker's List - The speaker's list is open at all times for countries wishing to speak on issues unless it is has been formally closed. To access the speaker's list, a nation must submit a written request or raise their placard at the appropriate time.
2. Time Limit on Speeches - Normally, there is no time limit. The chair reserves the right to limit time if necessary.
3. Relevancy - A delegate may rise on a point of relevancy during a fellow delegate's speech if the speaker's comments are not relevant to the proceedings. Judgement is at the discretion of the chair.
4. Yields - Note: The intention to yield must be declared before a delegate begins to speak! Assuming an imposed time limit, any delegate speaking on a substantive issue may yield in any of the following ways:
5. Comments and Points of Information - If the chair deems appropriate, comments will be allowed after a delegate's speech (substantive speeches only). Also included are Points of Information,which can be directed to the speaker after he/she is finished speaking.
6. Right of Reply - A delegate whose personal or national integrity has been slandered or misconstrued may request a Right of Reply.Granting of this right is at the discretion of the chair.
Points
1. Point of Personal Privilege - If a delegate experiences personal discomfort that constitutes a hindrance to following the proceedings, he/she may request a point of personal privilege. (This might include items such as noise, distractions, etc.)
2. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry - This is designed to allow a delegate to question the chair as to correct parliamentary procedure. This is merely a clarification point and should be used as such.
3. Recess or Adjournment - If the floor is open, a delegate may move to recess or adjourn. The delegates should use their own judgement when asking for a recess or an adjournment.
4. Caucusing - A delegate may move to caucus at any time prior to closure of debate. The chair will set a time limit for the caucus and explain its purpose. The chair may also rule a motion to caucus out of order if it is not deemed to be needed.
5. Informal Consideration - When informal discussion of the entire issue under consideration appears beneficial, the President or delegate may propose that the body move into a session of informal consideration. The purpose shall be to clarify points of confusion through informal discussion. This action shall be taken upon by a simple majority vote. The chair may subsequently entertain a point-of-order to return to formal consideration.
6. Postponement and Resumption of Debate - In order to debate a particular amendment or to discuss other matters, a delegate may move to postpone debate. This is at the discretion of the chair. Similarly, during a postponement, a delegate can move for resumption of debate.
7. Division of the Question - After closure of debate on a resolution or an amendment, a delegate may move to have the operative clauses of the resolution or amendment voted upon separately. The chair will then accept proposals for division. A vote shall be called upon the way in which to divide the question after which the operative clauses will be voted on.
Voting
1. Voting - Each member nation shall have one (1) vote. A nation may either vote for, against, or abstain from a resolution or amendment.
2. Roll Call Votes - The chair calls upon each member nation and allows that nation to either vote for, against, abstain, or pass. Any nation that passes is asked again after the first round of voting. Particularly when their foreign policy is suspect, a country may request the right to explain their vote.
3. Reconsideration - Only votes on resolutions and amendments may be reconsidered. A reconsideration motion must be made by a nation that voted on the majority side of the issue.
4. Explanation of vote - This is a very serious maneuver that requires careful thought. However, should a nation feel that another nation has seriously misrepresented their foreign policy, they may ask the chair for an explanation of vote.This is formally begun in this fashion: Immediately after the vote, there must be a verbal communication to the chair (through a point-of-order) announcing the intent, followed directly by a note to the chair. Should the chair deem the request reasonable, the chair may ask the particular nation if it wishes to reconsider or change its vote. If negative, the nation will then be given one minute to publicly explain their vote.
| Item | Second Required |
Interrupt Speaker |
Debate: pro/con |
Vote Required |
| Point of Order | No | Yes | None | Chair | |
| Point of Personal Privledge | No | Yes | None | Chair | |
| Point of Parliamentary Inquiry | No | No | None | Chair | |
| Point of Information | No | No | None | Chair | |
| Appeal the Decision of Chair | No | No | 1-Chair | 2/3 | |
| Motion to Adjourn | Yes | No | None | Majority | |
| Motion to Recess | Yes | No | None | Majority | |
| Motion for a Caucus | Yes | No | None | Majority | |
| Motion to Close Speaker's List | Yes | No | None | 2/3 | |
| Motion to Table | Yes | No | None | 2/3 | |
| Motion to Postpone Debate | Yes | No | 1-1 | Majority | |
| Motion to Close Debate | Yes | No | 1-2 | 2/3 | |
| Motion to Reconsider | Yes | No | 1-1 | Majority | |
| Motion to Resume Debate | Yes | No | 1-1 | Majority | |
| Motion to Divide the Question | Yes | No | 1-1 | Majority | |
| Resolution | Yes | No | Yes | 2/3 | |
| Amendment | Yes | No | Yes | Majority | |
| Motion to Alter the Agenda | Yes | No | 1-1 | Majority |
The following are six geographic blocs, which we will try to use at the conference. It is conceivable that some of these blocs might unite for various reasons. As you may determine, three or more blocs may effectively control the outcome of any vote. It is strongly recommended that you try to play a leadership role within the bloc system.
Other blocs are: NATO, Commonwealth countries, Group of 77, and the European Union. Within these blocs are other, smaller blocs. For example, the Arab bloc consists of two radically different groups of countries, those that are oil-rich and sell heavily to the West, situated around the Gulf and those that are poorer and prone tend to political unrest in the Middle East. Blocs indicate common interests. Blocs may be based upon geography, politics, trade, and even religion. Within Muslim countries, there is a complete range of representation from conservative to moderate to terrorist.
Use these blocs to your advantage! Although the Western bloc, representing the most powerful, industrialized countries, does have a slight numerical edge (as they should in our simulation), other blocs may easily combine to challenge the West.
|
Eastern Albania Croatia Czech Estonia Romania Russian Tajikistan Ukraine |
African Bloc Kenya Mozambique Nigeria Rwanda Somalia South Sudan |
Arab Bloc Egypt Iraq Jordan Lebanon Libya Morocco Saudi Syria |
Asian Bloc Cambodia China India Indonesia Iran Myanmar Pakistan Philippines Korea Thailand |
Latin Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Cuba El Salvador Guatemala Haiti Mexico Nicaragua Peru Venezuela |
Western Australia Canada Finland France Germany Ireland Israel Italy Japan New Sweden United United
|
© by Mike Keenan
This is a difficult issue. On one hand, conference organizers have worked long and hard and reasonably wish to formally welcome the participating delegates. On the other, it is imperative to get the conference underway without undue delay.
Conference size is one dynamic that should dictate the procedure that is taken. Often, at large MUN conferences such as Harvard or The Hague, there are thousands of delegates. A long, tedious opening ceremony, however well intentioned, with students talking, milling about, restlessly preoccupied with their opening speeches and such, is counter-productive to the desired intent.
I have attended Harvard's December MUN for more than a dozen years. I remember only one occasion when there was rapt attention and complete silence from the huge audience. At that particular time, an AP (Associated Press) wartime correspondent delivered the opening address. With a quiet voice that sometimes emotionally broke during recollections, he vividly described a brutal conflict during which he desperately had tried to save a young man's life. He was forced to drive this seriously wounded person to the hospital, through enemy lines. The victim had been shot in the head, and the correspondent captured the horrible immediacy of the situation with graphic details. Suddenly, in mere moments, future delegate committee debate had become much more meaningful and focussed.
That should be a prime focus for opening ceremonies. Make the debate realistic and experiential. Help the delegates to delve deeper into the actual portrayal of foreign countries. Unfortunately, succeeding Harvard events didn't repeat this kind of dramatic introduction, favouring safer speeches that were less emotional and interesting. Eventually, I permitted delegates the option to skip the opening ceremonies. It had become a photo op and a waste of delegate time.
Thus, conference organizers are presented with a dilemma. There are some creative options, and I'm sure that balance will eventually be obtained. One method to deal with the issue would be to have committee chairs provide a short address to smaller groups. Another would have the Secretary-General make a short speech in each committee. Another would be to employ the closing ceremonies for the more formal speeches. In short, delegates want to get into the debate. Whatever is said, beyond a brief welcome, should set the actual tone for debate.
I recently witnessed an excellent opening MUN ceremony in Bath, England. Throughout the entire ceremony, over 500 delegates sat quietly and carefully listened. The two key speeches, back-to-back, were delivered by the Secretary General and an adult guest from the University of Belfast in Ireland. Each speech complimented the other and provided a sense of immediacy, a true springboard for debate for the assembled delegates.
Secretary-General, Jake Eliot of host school, Kingswood, delivered the first address. The following is his slightly abridged text:
One woman, utterly isolated on a tiny patch of raised ground, seeing the last helicopter flight before nightfall realized that she would not be rescued that day, possibly never rescued at all. Her one last maternal act was to fling her small child into the hovering helicopter she could not reach herself; knowing that, even if she did survive the night ahead her child might not.
Another story, another human experience. A woman rescued on Wednesday, who, heavily pregnant, had given birth while perched in a tree. Her survival, and that of her child is, perhaps, a metaphor for indomitable human spirit.
As the delegation of Mozambique at this conference probably realizes, their assignment carries with it additional responsibilities this weekend.
There may well be, after all, a larger case of cause and effect at work here. If we, as individuals, are ignorant about an international issue, then we are unlikely to make an effort to help. Likewise therefore, making a difference must primarily involve a degree of awareness. Awareness comes first, then the action. Perhaps the biggest challenge we face then, is not what we do at this conference, but what we use our experience to go on to do after it.
But I believe, fellow MUN'ers, that our presence here today shows that we are not apathetic, that we do want to know more, and, above all, that we will
be heard."
Jake Eliot will be attending Oxford University next September. It is obvious that he is someone who is capable of making a difference, someone like many others of those gathered there that day in his generation that surely will be heard.
Rev. Henry Keys from Belfast University in Ireland followed Jake Eliot and immediately allowed that he was just a little terrified at the prospect of speaking to a group that was so politically aware and intelligent. He further explained that he had heard another speaker address a group and describe to them three methods of learning.
The first method, customarily employed by professors, is that of the lecture wherein the professor empties his brain of pearls of wisdom and the students blindly copy them down dutifully into their notebooks with neither professor nor student having the burden to think hard in the process. This technique has a 20% retention rate.
The second method, employed frequently in the school classroom, is the reflective technique wherein students are actually encouraged to ask a few questions. This alone doubles the retention rate to 40%.
Finally, the third method is kinesthetic, what others and I would describe as learning by doing. This is the best way to learn anything as it involves active participation and, accordingly, a retention rate of 80%.
Rev. Keys explained that that was precisely what a Model United Nations conference was all about, the progressive act of kinesthetic learning. He encouraged the students to throw themselves into the debate, to actually learn by doing.
This opening ceremony was an excellent example of how to set an appropriate tone for the delegates. It briefly welcomed them, acknowledged their political awareness and encouraged them to make the conference a realistic experience. This would enable them to actually learn stronger skills and develop richer appreciation, which would inevitably enable them to better contribute to society.
The crowd of approximately 500 students appreciably applauded both speakers. Delegates from Ireland, Canada, the United States, France and Germany were now prepared to more fully enter into debate. Thanks to Steve Pagan and Morag Lemmy, conference coordinators, for an excellent MUN opening ceremony.