Historical Crisis Committee Delegate Preparation Guide UCMUN 2016 18th Annual UConn Model United Nations November 4-6, 2016 University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Table of Contents Description of the Committee
3 Historical Crisis Committee in UCMUN
4 Delegates in HCC
5 Parliamentary Procedure 7 Voting Procedure and Action Plans
9 Role of the Dais
13 Conclusion
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2 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Description of HCC The Historical Crisis Committee (HCC) is a simulation that takes hold of an issue or event that can be discussed and debated by the Security Council or any United Nations committee. A topic that can be simulated in the Security Council (SC) would be anything that could be “the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression” (UNSC 2015). It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement, but can even delegate the power to “resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security” (UNSC 2015). A HCC does not always follow the exact setup of the Security Council. They could form cabinets (where delegates become actors identical to the head of state represented) or regional bodies (delegates have equal votes and functions as any committee, thus eliminating the Permanent 5 aka the P5). The function of how delegates will be represented in the committee should be outlined in the “Committee Simulation” page in the background guide for the topic. Within the Model United Nations community, HCC’s have been regarded as simulations that are exciting and challenging. The topics assigned to HCC’s can be fiction, historical fiction, or based on historical crises throughout the history of the United Nations. That being said, a possible topic could be something as fictional as Scarface taking over the Canadian government or the Suez Canal Crisis. HCC’s can even be utilized into Future Crisis Committees (FCCs) in which topics can take a crisis of the near future or the distant future. For example, an FCC can have a topic as fictitious as a new country destroying bridges to the moon, or something in the nature of dealing with the removal of Russia from the Arctic seas. 3 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide HCC in UCMUN The Historical Crisis Committee evolved from crisis situations that occurred amongst different committees during an UCMUN conference. Crisis situations were often created for committees like the Security Council. These crisis topics came with little warning to delegates in order to simulate a real life event that often occurs at the United Nations. Through the development of crisis situations, UCMUN has created an entire committee in order to emulate an exciting and challenging simulation of the United Nations. In order to have an efficient and amazing experience in the HCC, there should be only 14- 21 delegates involved during the committee. Parliamentary procedure will also change for this committee as well as certain actions that will occur throughout the simulation. One topic shall be generated for the committee rather than two due to the nature of an HCC. 4 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Delegates in the HCC The role of the delegate shall remain the same as any other delegate in the committee depending on the choice of the director. A position paper will still be required for all delegates to complete prior to the conference. All history prior to the moment of the crisis situation is true and should be researched, the results of the crisis however, can sway from history. The HCC as a Security Council If the HCC Director chooses to have the delegates simulate a topic as the Security Council, then the roles of the delegates will hold the same function as those within the SC. This means that all delegates will share the same ability to speak and vote. However, just as it is found within the SC, there will be the Permanent Five (P5). The P5 are permanent seats within the SC held by the delegates of: China, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation. These members have the ability to veto any resolution even if there is a majority in the committee. Only one member of the P5 needs to vote against a resolution so that it is vetoed regardless of international support. Research on: policies, laws, and historical events conducted by the country being represented is crucial to form this representation. For this year, the HCC will run as a Security Council 5 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide The HCC as the Cabinet(s) If the director chooses for the HCC to function as cabinets, then the delegates will still hold the same functions of a delegate in a committee, but the delegate would be asked to personify a character. The cabinet(s) work as delegates personifying a specific head of government or official with state functions. For example, if the topic called for the British Parliament to react to the Revolutionary War in the British Colonies, then the delegates would act as either specific members of the parliament or delegates within it. They would still however, hold the same function and power as delegates from other committees. In order to do well as this role, it is recommended to research various sources and biographies to get a more in depth of the person the delegate will act as. The HCC as Regional Bodies If the director chooses for the delegates to be regional bodies, then the delegates maintain the same role as any committee, with the exception of a P5 typically found in the SC. The delegate must represent their country as well as possible in the crisis. Research on: policies, laws, and historical events conducted by the country being represented is crucial to form this representation. 6 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Parliamentary Procedure For the HCC, parliamentary procedure will differ from other committees i n terms of how the committee is structured and the flow of debate. Points and motions will otherwise remain the same in function. If you have any questions on these or even common parliamentary procedure questions, do not hesitate to ask! We can help or you can look at the the Delegate Preparation Guide. Here are the rules and procedures that will be utilized: 1. There will be no speaker’s list. The committee simulation will be held much like a moderated caucus. This is done in order to ensure constant dialogue and allows for crisis situations to arise quickly. A delegate however is still encouraged to motion for an unmoderated caucus when they see fit. All other motions and points are allowed throughout the simulation. 2. Roundtables will be used. A roundtable is a request for a suspension of the rules to discuss a specific topic with the consent of the director. Roundtables: a. Any delegate can request a roundtable if it is entertained by the director b. The chair recognizes each delegate to speak about a specific topic for a specific amount of time. c. Roundtables are often used in order for each delegate to speak out about their stance in order to avoid gridlock, solve confusion in a productive manner, and help rest an issue that is otherwise preventing the committee from moving forward. The speaking time is a minimum of thirty seconds and maximum of two minutes. 7 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide d. A delegate motions for a round table by stating once recognized by the chair, “I motion for a roundtable to discuss the (insert issue/ topic/ probable solution) with a (insert time interval)”. 3. Straw Poll. A straw poll consists of delegates giving their probable votes on a specific proposal. a. The vote is non- bonding (meaning an opinion can change), but this can be utilized to gauge approval of other delegates. b. The way to motion for this straw poll is to ask the director to “motion for a straw poll on (insert proposal, directive, etc.)”. c. Delegates can either state their position (yay, nay) or abstain. 4. Crisis Update. Throughout the simulation, HCC staff will introduce updates or new crises that the committee must work toward addressing They can come in the form of: videos, news releases, intelligent reports, etc. 8 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Voting Procedure and Action Plans Voting procedure will remain the same in terms of how the committee is run. For example, if the committee runs like the Security Council, then voting procedure will follow that of the SC. If the committee is run as a cabinet or regional body, then voting procedure will work the same as any standard UCMUN committee. Entering voting procedure remains the same as well. However, resolutions will not be utilized in this committee. Rather, action plans will be utilized in this committee in the form of: directives, communiqués, and press releases. Directives A directive is the most widely used action plan in the HCC. A directive is a short and concise description or action you wish for the committee to take. There are no preambulatory clauses or light (flowery) language. This is because within a crisis committee, new situations are constantly happening, therefore directives offer a quick reaction. Directives also form a binding action unlike a resolution. Therefore, they must be written with clear and precise descriptions of the actions that want to be taken. Keep in mind, directives must operate in the boundaries of the committee. Directives: ● Are very direct and straightforward ● Can utilize bullet points (while it is prefered that these be complete sentences, they do not have to be) but they must be specific in detail ● Are usually reactions to a crisis update (where more than one directive can be passed) ● Directives are read in the order in which they are submitted. 9 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide ● A delegate will motion to suspend the rules in order to have the chair read directives in the order in which they are submitted. ● Debate is expected after directives are read. Directives are voted on in normal voting procedure with a simple majority (50% of the delegation +1) ● When a directive is passed, it is sent directly to the target destination (crisis room) with haste. Directives passed will usually be addressed in the following crisis update. ● They do not require any signatories. Only two sponsors are required. The overall format (besides the clauses) will be written in the form of UCMUN resolutions. Example: Directive 1.1 Historical Crisis Committee Bay of Pigs Crisis Sponsors: United States, United Kingdom New orders for Minuteman I ICBM silo operators ● Arm all missiles on the United States Western Sea Board ○ No fire unless fired upon ● The United States will also scramble all fighter jets to assemble over Cuban Airspace Communiqués Communiqués are used for the purpose of the committee as a whole to present a formal letter to either another actor, country, regional body, bloc, or additional committee (if the HCC is treated as a joint HCC). They can include: negotiations, requests for aid or support, opposition, or other topics that connect with the current crisis update. They are direct like a directive, but can allow for language that resembles more light language depending on the nature of the communique. It is stressed however, that the tone be appropriate for the letter’s intent. Tone can be everything. Remember: ● Always keep the simulation and crisis update in mind ● Letters on behalf of the committee will be sent to actors (country, presidents, etc.) that will get a response to the committee from the HCC staff ● Tone is everything ● At least 2 sponsors, but no signatories required 10 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide ● It must pass with a simple majority ● Formatting matches an UCMUN resolution Example: Communiqué 1.1 Historical Crisis Committee Russia in the Cold War Crisis Sponsors: England and Portugal Dear Premier Nikita Khrushchev, It has come to our attention that you have been testing nuclear powered submarine technology in international waters, thus becoming a risk towards foreign investments and trade that are utilized worldwide. This is a threat to our national and economic security. We expect the immediate removal of nuclear submarines in international waters within 48 hours. As the Premier of Russia, we demand you stop these actions immediately or face consequences. Sincerely, The United Nations Security Council The Press Release A press release is utilized to send press information to the world on the current crisis situation at hand. They function similarly to communiqués in that they represent the committee as a whole, but they do not require any action to be taken. The primary function of a press release is to sway public opinion towards a way of thinking or to invoke a reaction by the public as the result of a crisis. The potential of a press release depends upon how the delegate utilizes it. A press release: ● Is a message from the committee to the public. ● Used to disseminate information, sway public opinion, cause outrage, drum up support, etc. ● Sometimes used to publicize an action taken with a previous directive. May be voted on together with another Communiqué or Directive, subject to the discretion of the Chair. ● Follows similar formatting to a resolution ● Does not require any sponsor or signatories ● It must pass by a simple majority Example Press Release 1 Historical Crisis Committee 11 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide HIV Epidemic Today, it has been found that over 1 million people in the United States have been infected by HIV, a disease that we now realize is not one of infamy; it has infected our loved ones, mothers, fathers children, and so many more. The cabinet deeply regrets allowing this tragedy to continue when something should have been done and encourages an increase in funding and support. The Portfolio Request A portfolio is a document given to each member of the committee that outlines specific powers and abilities that a delegate may hold. Not every HCC may have a portfolio, but if one is presented by the Dais, a delegate may utilize a portfolio request. A portfolio request: ● Do not need to be voted on ● Actions taken unilaterally by one member of the committee. ● Subject to limitations, members of the committee have certain powers that are specific to them and that the other members do not know about. ○ What this means is that, if you have the power to withhold vaccine research in the committee, the portfolio request can be used to accelerate vaccine release, but not to withdraw troops. ● Can be used to maintain secrecy. ● Example of uses: meeting in secret with a group or individual, authorizing funds for relief efforts, authorizing weapons or military supplies, leaking false information, etc. 12 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Role of the Dais The role of the Dais is to facilitate a fun, engaging, and thought- provoking committee simulation. The role of the Dais is essential to the function of the committee. The Director The role of the director is to ensure that the committee run smoothly with the topic at hand as well as ensuring the full engagement of the delegates. The director will maintain the flow of the committee as well as the approval of actions and motions throughout the sessions. The Topic Specialist The role of the topic specialist is to educate the delegates further on a specific topic for the committee. The topic specialist may also fill in for the role of a delegate if one is absent or needed for the committee. The topic specialist will also act as a special guest if necessary for the committee. A special guest is someone the committee invites to speak on a topic or experience. Because the topic specialist is well versed in the crisis, they can act as someone. The Administrative Directors The administrative directors (ADs) will hold various important function throughout the committee. Here are a few of the roles the ADs will take: ● Time Keeper/ Records Keeper/ Sub- Director ○ This role is the standard role found in all committees. This AD will mainly adhere to keeping time for any: caucuses (moderated or unmoderated), roundtables, straw polls, etc. ● Action Plan Requests 13 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide ○ This role utilizes the AD by having them take and monitor action plan requests; primarily: portfolio requests, and responding to communiqués ● Report Updated Crises ○ The AD will come in with a crisis report to update the committee that could change the actions of the committee The Administrative Staff The Administrative staff (Admin) shall act as a crucial component to the committee. Used in ensuring proper format for actions plans and more, the admin staff will be in constant communication with the director and ADs while assuring that the content fits the necessary requirements listed. Phases of the Committee and the Flow of Debate The flow of the phases of the committee and the flow of debate will follow very closely with that of a normal committee. However, there are differences that make the HCC very unique. Provided below is a flowchart that outlines the basics of the committee. 14 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide 15 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Delegate Biographies Empire of Japan, Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi Ito Hirobumi’s career as Japan’s prime minister was a first of its kind in Japan at the time. Prime Minister Hirobumi established the cabinet based system of government in Japan to replace the Daijō-kan as the standing decision making body and became the country’s first prime minister in 1885. Throughout his career, his foreign policy was heavily influenced by the Western powers and he sought to strengthen ties between Japan and nations such as the United States, Germany and the UK. His powers of negotiation helped him secure very important victories for Japan in various treaties. Although successful on the world stage, many nations were still held a prejudice against Hirobumi. In domestic politics, Prime Minister Hirobumi was not as successful, after years of dealing with party politics and Japanese nationalists who opposed such strong ties with the West he acquired many political enemies within Japan and across the Far East. Russian Empire, Czar Nicholas II Nicholas II rose the position of Czar after his father, Alexander III, died on October 20th, 1894 from kidney disease (he was crowned in 1895). Due to his extensive time spent in as well as his passion for the military, Nicholas felt underprepared to take the throne. However, he developed strong ties to the military and used both the military troops and the secret police heavily to carry out of many of his affairs. After marrying his wife Alexandra and becoming a father to 5 children, Nicholas focused much of his time and energy on his family and tended to neglect state affairs and was even said to be oblivious when crises arose. His desire to maintain the status quo of Russia and 16 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide limit government reform soon ended when Russian economic growth gained speed and Nicholas was forced to expand Russian industry into the Far East which succeeded in threatening Japan. Austria-Hungary, Emperor Franz Joseph I Franz Joseph was proclaimed emperor at Olmutz on December 2, 1848. Franz Joseph was a very active and hands on Emperor who played a direct role in many of the foreign policy and strategic decisions that were made. He did leave much of the domestic policy decisions to his prime minister until the prime minister's death and then he absorbed that role as well. Franz Joseph did have ministers to consult him but made many decisions without considering their opinions on the matter which proved to be a mistake time and time again. Franz Joseph’s foreign policy was one of personal connections and peace. Despite his rumored cold and shrewd personality, he believed that foreign policy should have a foundation of friendship between sovereigns. Franz Joseph was true monarch at heart and was forced to wrestle with different forms of government as people became dissatisfied with the status quo monarchy. France, President Emile Loubet Emile Loubet became president of the republic of France in 1899, which began his career as a very active and at times, controversial president. Loubet was known for his frequent visits to foreign heads of state and his continuous fight to keep religion out of the government and out of education. The frequent visits to heads of state such as Nicholas II and the heads of state of England prompted strong relationships with these two nations. However, due to Loubet’s desire to keep France a secular state, the relationship between Loubet, and the Roman Catholic Church as a whole was completely severed which put him at odds in the primarily Catholic France. However, his 17 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide skill as a speaker made him successful in negotiations and meetings with the many foreign leaders that he visited, so much so that France and Great Britain patched up their colonial feud under Loubet’s leadership. United States of America, President William McKinley While President McKinley’s domestic politics won him favor with the organized labor groups in the United States as well as with businesses in general, it was his foreign policy that created his legacy that we know today. His foreign affairs experience was highlighted by the Spanish American War which at first was approached with a non-intervention policy, ultimately with the support of Congress, war was declared and after the dust settled, in an imperialist decision, McKinley seized several Spanish territories. McKinley’s presidency was also known for its “Open Door Policy” which was designed to ensure strong US position in world markets, especially in China. German Empire, Kaiser Wilhelm II Kaiser Wilhelm became the Kaiser of Germany on June 15, 1888 after his father passed away from throat cancer after a very brief reign as Kaiser. Wilhelm was infamous for his quick temper, highly nationalistic attitudes, aggression and boisterous personality which caused very debilitating public scandals for him. One of Kaiser Wilhelm’s major focuses as Kaiser was to build a military, particularly a navy, which could compete with England’s. In terms of foreign policy, Kaiser Wilhelm ran his administration with his emotions, which were often quick to change, and this behavior made his policy decisions contradictory and impulsive, especially regarding Great Britain. This behavior along with the military expansion made Germany a very threatening country to many other European nations. 18 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide United Kingdom, Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil After a lifetime of scholarship and working his way up the political ladder, Robert Cecil finally won the electoral support necessary to become prime minister (1886–92, 1895–1900, and 1900–02). During his time as prime minister, Cecil was known as a very intelligent and highly skilled in the art of diplomacy. He left much control over the government to individual ministers which at times caused problems due to his weak control over the government as a whole. In terms of foreign policy, Prime Minister Cecil was imperialistic and sought to defend and expand Britain’s empire into foreign lands. PM Cecil was also wary of multi-national alliances because he felt they were dangerous and at times, unnecessary. Kingdom of Italy, King Victor Emmanuel III Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdul Hamid II Born September 21, 1842 in Constantinople, Abdul was the son of Sultan Abdulmecid I. He took the throne August 31, 1876 at 34 years of age. Abdul Hamid practiced Sunni Islam, and as a result, was a great power in the Muslim world. He allied with Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany after being ostracized from the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and the United Kingdom). Germany helped the Ottomans establish a stronger military as well as assist in reorganizing the country’s finances. The alliance was supremely important during the Boxer Rebellion when Kaiser Wilhelm II requested Abdul Hamid’s assistance in controlling the Chinese Muslims. Chinese Muslim forces were routing the eight nation alliance, and the Sultan’s help was requested. Abdul Hamid was also 19 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide know for modernizing the Ottoman Empire by bringing sweeping education reforms and expanding the railway system. Australia, William Lygon William Lygon was born February 1872 in London. Lygon was highly educated and inherited a 5000 acres of land from his father. He was a successful politician in England, becoming mayor of Worcester at age 23. Soon after he was offered governorship in New South Wales, Australia. He arrived in May 1899, and to no one’s surprise, was not well liked initially. Due to swelling nationalistic sentiments the Earl used his power wisely. He did not over extend, but rather oversaw New South Wales with a light touch and careful politics. Lygon was involved in organizing the state’s participation in both the South African War and the Boxer Rebellion. The Holy See, Pope Leo XIII Pope Leo XIII began his Papacy February 20, 1878. Leo was a very active Pope, building relations with many foreign countries. He did much to pursue and encourage policies of peace. In Germany, Pope Leo assisted in bringing about compromises that ended anti-Catholic violence and was described as friendly and trustworthy by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Pope Leo assisted the Russian Czar in unifying all religious forces in Russia as well as facilitating rapprochement between Russian and Paris. He also restored the Scottish Catholic hierarchy and brought the same system to colonial India. He did much for clergymen in the United States, but public opinion of him was mixed. Pope Leo greatly increased the number of nations that had diplomatic relations with the Vatican, making him a master of public relations. 20 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide Spain, Prime Minister Francisco Silvela Francisco Silvela became the first prime minister of Spain on May 3, 1899. He was the conservative party leader. Prior to becoming the Minister, he was a very active politician, starting his career in 1870. Although he refused to take part in any political action during the reign of Amadeo I. After the start of the Bourbon Restoration, Silvela served as the Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Interior, before becoming the first Prime Minister of Spain. Kingdom of Belgium, King Leopold II King Leopold II was born April 9, 1835 in Brussels. He became king on December 17, 1865. He is mainly known for sending an expeditionary force to colonize the Congo. The area colonized by Belgium came to know as the Congo Free State, although it was anything but free. Foreign access was prohibited and the colonists extorted forced labor from the native Congolese. King Leopold’s reign was marred by the atrocities committed in the Congo and was widely criticized. At the end of his reign, he was supremely unpopular with other leaders as well as his own citizens. Kingdom of the Netherlands, Queen Wilhelmina Wilhelmina of the Netherlands reigned from November 23, 1890 to September 4, 1948. She was officially inaugurated in 1898, when she turned 18. She was well respected by the Dutch people, and ruled with great strength. Tensions arose between the Dutch and United Kingdom during her reign due to the British annexing several Dutch African territories, including the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. This lead to an extreme dislike and distrust of the United Kingdom. 21 UConn Model United Nations 2016 Historical Crisis Committee Prep Guide China, Prince Qing Prince Qing was a noble and a Chinese politician who served from 1894 to 1917. Prince Qing was in charge of the foreign affairs ministry during the Guangxu Emperor’s reign. The Prince was a very high ranking official with a great deal of influence. He was able to provide recommendations for politicians for a nominal fee. He was indeed a corrupt official. Prince Qing was a progressive politician who saw much promise for China if they would open up to foreigners. During the Boxer Rebellion, he was sympathetic towards the foreigners, and headed the faction of moderate, pro-foreign politicians. He represents the interests of a more modern China. Conclusion The Historical Crisis Committee is a committee that is exciting, fast- paced, and rewarding. In order to be successful in this simulation, you must be active, always thinking on your feet, and staying creative with the tools that can be utilized. Note that the storyline for a crisis committee is always changing and the the HCC staff is always responding to any actions that the committee makes. Therefore, always make sure that you are giving your all. 22