JCC Syrian Civil War - Syrian Arab Republic

Crisis Simulation (Joint Crisis Committee)

gsmunxxviii.republic@gmail.com

JCC Syrian Civil War - Syrian Arab Republic

The Syrian Civil War - Syrian Arab Republic JCC will focus on the aftermath of the Assad regime’s response to the 2011 Arab Spring and the associated public discontent. Delegates will grapple with the widespread protests against the actions of the government, as well as the violent revolutionary organizations emerging throughout Syria. Furthermore, this committee will include how the Assad government utilizes its international relations with other nations to defend its actions and find support against the revolutionaries. 
Approximate committee size: 20 delegates

Note: This committee addresses complex topics that require significant historical understanding. Participation in these committees should be reserved for only those with prior Model UN experience. All delegates are advised to read the letter from the Undersecretary-General for Crisis Simulations linked here before beginning research for the committee.

Committee Topics

  • 1. Maintaining Power Over the Public

    In 2011, the Syrian Arab Republic was on the verge of rebellion as protests from the Arab Spring threatened decades of ruthless Ba'athist rule in the region. The regime's brutal and rapid response has temporarily stopped protests, but also carries the risk of creating irreversible social divisions and national instability. Every use of force has the potential to temporarily restore order, but it also runs the possibility of increasing public resistance. The committee must decide how far it will go to maintain power, while taking into consideration dwindling resources and shaky allegiance. The group must determine what would ensure the state's survival—fear, change, compromise, or something else entirely.

  • 2. Foreign Involvement

    Public unrest continues to increase, drawing the attention of other nations eager to exploit Syria's vulnerability and shape its outcome and future. While Western states and regional rivals seek opportunities to weaken Damascus with pressure and isolation, Russia and Iran consider deeper intervention to protect a crucial ally. Every appeal for aid signals dependence, while on the other hand every rejection risks abandonment. The Joint Crisis Committee must navigate a tricky path to a solution where alliances can offer protection at the cost of absolute control, while miscalculations warmly invite foreign domination.

Background Guide
Dossier

Committee Chairs

  • Henry Erda

    Henry Erda, a senior at Maggie Walker, can’t wait to be your co-chair for the GSMUN XXVIII Syrian Civil War JCC - Syrian Arab Republic committee! He has participated in Model UN for three years, including as a crisis director last year. In addition to Model UN, Henry is a captain for the Varsity Soccer Team and a member of the school’s Speech and Debate Team. He loves to travel, eat new things, and learn new skills, like juggling! He is excited to meet all of the amazing delegates at GSMUN XXVIII!

  • Srihari Kalagi

    Shrihari Kalagi, a junior at Maggie Walker, is beyond excited to be your co-chair for the GSMUN XXVIII Syrian Civil War JCC - Syrian Arab Republic committee! He has been involved with Model UN for five years, having competed in more than a dozen conferences and won several awards. In the past, Shrihari has been both a vice chair and co-chair for GSMUN committees. Outside of Model UN, he is a part of the Programming subteam in Robotics and is a mentor for the Dragon Advisory program at MLWGS. He is looking forward to meeting the incredible delegates at GSMUN XXVIII!