BACKGROUND GUIDE

Letter from the executive board

Greetings Delegates,
It is an honour for us to be the executive board of Continuous Crisis Committee at The DPS
MUN 2024.We as the executive board expect a good level of research from all the
delegates in the committee. To facilitate this purpose, we have made this guide as descriptive
as possible. When you go through all the aspects of this guide, you will notice certain things.
The introduction section of the guide consists of basics about the commission itself, the
methods of the committee and the stricture of proceedings of this committee and certain facts
and figures with respect to the crisis.

The guide then goes on to the elaborate about the crisis. However, we suggest that you go
through the mandates, structures, resolutions and different treaties and conventions. At the
end, all we would say is that we expect you to eagerly deliberate on the crisis, and at the same
time, enjoy the ambience that a great MUN has to offer.

We expect all the delegates to be very well researched on their countries, their foreign
policies and the agenda. The introductory note is a starting point for you to begin research
and shall provide you the basic information on the agenda at hand.

While researching on the various aspects and the problems concerning the crisis, we expect
the delegates to come up with solutions to the same. Kindly do not limit yourself to the
information provided in this document. Rather, we expect you to use this introductory note as
the starting point for your research.

Please feel free to contact us on the given contact information, should you feel the need to
have anything clarified.

All the Best!

Executive Board

Saksham Vishal Sood

Chairperson
[email protected]

Ananya Majumdar
Director
[email protected]
Introduction to the Crisis Committee

What is a Crisis Committee?

A crisis committee is a decision-making body that has more power than a traditional
committee. Whilst General Assemblies recommend and build consensus, focusing on creating
and refining frameworks for the nations party to align their actions, crisis committees produce
action. This means that the body has power unto itself that does not need to be granted by the
obedience of its members. Groups that look like this include a cabinet, a royal court, a board
of directors of a company, a rebel group, or really any small group which possesses political
power. Crisis is also more dynamic and fast-paced than traditional committees, so each
delegate is incredibly influential. In your preparation, it is helpful to understand the
committee’s basic history and scope of power, as found in the background guide.

A crisis committee covers about 3-6 years of history over the course of the weekend. Crisis
committees usually take place during a critical point in history. However, the committee is
not guaranteed to happen, so don’t spend too much time trying to predict the future.
Typically, at MUN confrences, the committee begins similarly to what happened in real life,
but as delegates adopt new paths, the world spins into alternate realities. Focus on making
history how you see fit.

Your general goal for the weekend should be to change the world to fit your agenda. This can
be done in a number of ways. Frontroom directives depend on the entire committee, and
effect stable, long-lasting change. You can also independently create change on a smaller
scale by using personal powers, done through note writing. Over time, personal powers can
grow and become as influential as the directives from committee.

Frontroom and Backroom

 Frontroom: This is where the delegates engage in public discussions, propose
solutions, and respond to crises as they arise. The Chair moderates the debate and
ensures that discussions remain focused on the current crisis.
 Backroom: Managed by the Crisis Director and Assistant Chairs (ACs), this area
handles the behind-the-scenes work, such as responding to notes from delegates,
planning crisis breaks, and crafting new developments based on committee actions.
Delegates do not have access to this space, but their actions in the Frontroom
influence developments in the Backroom
Types of Caucuses
Debate in Continuous Crisis Committees primarily occurs through three types of caucuses:
 Moderated Caucus: These are the most common in a crisis committee, and if there
are no other motions on the floor, the Chair will default to a moderated caucus. Most
crisis committees conduct debate through a series of rolling moderated caucuses. Like
in traditional committees, the delegate proposing a moderated caucus should specify a
topic of discussion, the duration, and speaking time per delegate. While there is no
 formal limit on the duration of a moderated caucus, a Chair will usually not entertain
anything beyond 10-12 minutes. The Chair will individually call on delegates who
wish to speak, and, due to the small number of delegates in a crisis committee, it is
often possible for a delegate to speak twice in one moderated caucus.
o How to raise: “Motion for a six-minute moderated caucus with a 30-
second speaking time to discuss the latest crisis update.”
 Unmoderated Caucus: Similar to unmoderated caucuses in traditional committees,
delegates are able to leave their seats and discuss the topic freely. In crisis
committees, however, unmoderated caucuses are usually for merging directives, rather
than bloc-building. More information about directives will be discussed later.
Unmoderated caucuses usually last no more than 10 minutes, and are more rare in
crisis committees than in GAs or ECOSOCs.
o How to raise: “Motion for a ten-minute unmoderated caucus to merge
directives on the table.”
 Round Robin: A round robin is a variation of the moderated caucus, where every
delegate in the committee gives a speech in order of chairs around the room. The
delegate proposing a round robin also specifies the speaking time per delegate, which
is usually not more than one minute. Round robins are especially useful at the very
beginning of a committee, since it allows each delegate to lay out their position and
discuss what issues they believe to be most worthy of further discussion. They can
also be useful after a major crisis update to allow all delegates to give their opinion on
how to resolve the latest crisis.
o How to raise: “Motion for a 30-second round robin.”

Directive Writing
One proposed solution to a crisis break is written into a document called a directive.
Directives are handwritten and relatively short. A directive is typically about one to four
pages long, but the dais will specify their expectations. Directives are a series of actions that
the committee will take to respond to the crisis break. These actions should be specific and
direct, outlining exactly what resources the committee will use, and how these resources will
be deployed. Below, you’ll see an example of a directive with the typical format and level of
detail. This directive is responding to the North Korean missile threat that was mentioned in
the Crisis Breaks section.

Sample Directive

Delegates should take notes during the crisis break so that they can start writing directives
once the crisis break has finished. While delegates are speaking during moderated caucuses,
directives are passed around the committee so that people can read them and sign on as
signatories. Once directives have enough signatories, they are passed up to the dais. If the
dais sees that there are many directives, or that most directives have similar directives, they
will suggest that delegates merge directives. Delegates can motion for an unmoderated
caucus, and after this is granted, directives can be merged to fill any quotas set by the dais (in
terms of signatories, number of directives, and page numbers per directive). Delegates can
then motion to introduce directives, where the chair will read the directives out to the
committee.

After directives have been introduced, delegates can motion to vote on directives, along with
the number of speeches in “for and against.” Directives can be voted on immediately, but a
common practice is to first hear speeches for and against the directives. “One for one against”
means that one person will speak in favor of passing the directive, and one person will speak
against passing it. Similarly, “two for two against” means that two people will speak in favor,
and two people will speak against, with the for and against speeches alternating. After all for
and against speeches, directives are then voted on. Delegates can vote for, against, or abstain.
A directive passes if it receives a simple majority of votes.

Once a directive has been passed, the committee has officially taken the actions outlined in it.
If two directives pass that take contradictory actions, the directive that was passed later takes
precedence. It is assumed that the official actions of the committee will be from the later
directive, rather than the previous one. Passed directives are sent to the crisis room, where
your crisis staff will decide what impact committee’s actions had on the simulated world.
They will then create a new crisis break based on the directive. Your CD and ACs will come
back into the committee room to inform the committee of the impact their directive had on
the crisis situation, and will present the new crisis break, giving the committee a new problem
to solve. Delegates will then discuss solutions to this new problem, restarting the cycle of
committee.
Voting on Directives
Once directives are introduced, delegates may motion to enter voting procedure. Voting does
not involve roll calls; instead, delegates express their support or opposition through speeches.
If no one opposes a directive, it passes automatically; otherwise, speeches are given for and
against before proceeding to a vote
Introduce Directives: The chair will read out loud all of the directives that have been passed
up to the dias. Directives need to be introduced before they can be voted on.

Example: “Motion to introduce all directives on the table.”

Voting Procedure (For/Against): For every directive that has been introduced, 1-2 delegates
will make a speech in favor of passing a directive, and 1-2 delegates will make a speech
against it. The committee will then vote on the directives, with a simple majority being
required to pass. You should specify how many speakers the for/against will have and the
speaking time.

Example: “Motion to move into voting procedure with 2 for, 2 against, 45 second speaking
time.”
Voting Procedure (Direct): The committee will vote on the directives immediately without
any speeches for/against.

Example: “Motion to move directly into voting procedure on all directives.”

Crisis Cycle
The committee operates through a series of "Crisis Cycles," which consist of:
1. A Crisis Break, where new developments are introduced.
2. A period of Debate, primarily through moderated caucuses.
3. The drafting and voting on Directives that respond to the crisis presented in the break.
After directives pass, they influence future crisis breaks, creating an ongoing cycle of action
and reaction within the committee.
Debate
Just like in General Assembly committees, most of the debate in crisis committees occurs in
moderated caucuses. After a crisis break, the committee will usually enter a moderated
caucus to propose and debate possible solutions to the crisis. When the committee has several
options of responding to the crisis, a moderated caucus lets delegates share opinions about
which option is best and how the committee should implement it. Crisis speeches are
generally more specific and direct than GA speeches, with details about the solutions that are
being proposed. You can also use speeches to support or critique solutions that other
delegates have proposed.

Since crisis committees are relatively small, you’ll have the chance to speak much more often
than in a General Assembly. Try to speak as much as you can! Speaking is the best way for
other people to hear about your ideas, and your speeches can often convince people to
collaborate with you. Since crisis speeches are usually impromptu and less formal than GA
speeches, there’s no pressure to make a “perfect” speech.
 Crisis Scenario: Shifting Alliances and Proxy Conflicts
Introduction
In a rapidly changing world fraught with geopolitical instability, nations must continuously
adapt to emerging threats and shifting alliances. The global order is teetering on the edge of
chaos, with regional conflicts spiraling out of control and non-state actors gaining
unprecedented influence. The year is 2024, and the world finds itself facing an interconnected
web of crises, each threatening to unravel decades of diplomatic efforts and established
norms. This Continuous Crisis Committee (CCC) has been tasked with managing this volatile
landscape, making crucial decisions to avert catastrophe while balancing national interests
and global stability.

Crisis Overview
The world in 2024 is witnessing an unprecedented convergence of crises that threaten to
plunge it into widespread conflict and disorder. The following scenarios outline the most
pressing challenges that demand immediate international intervention:
1. War in the Mediterranean: Turkey vs. Greece
o Decades-old tensions between Turkey and Greece have erupted into full-scale
war, centered around contested maritime boundaries and recently discovered
offshore natural gas reserves. The conflict has divided the NATO alliance, as
Turkey claims sovereignty over critical sea routes, while Greece rallies
support from European allies. Naval skirmishes and air strikes have already
disrupted global trade through the Mediterranean, threatening to escalate into a
wider regional war that could draw in neighboring countries. The United
Nations and NATO are at a crossroads, debating whether to intervene
diplomatically or militarily.
2. The Rise of The New Caliphate in the Sahel
o In Africa, a formidable terrorist group known as The New Caliphate has
captured large swaths of territory in Mali and threatens to destabilize
neighboring nations, including Nigeria and Ethiopia. Equipped with
advanced weaponry, this group is more organized and well-funded than any
previous jihadist movement, with rumors swirling about covert support from
rogue states. The New Caliphate’s rapid territorial gains have overwhelmed
local governments and triggered a humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced
and critical infrastructure destroyed. International efforts to contain the group
are complicated by overlapping regional alliances and the vested interests of
global powers.
3. Russia and Ukraine: A Renewed Offensive
o The simmering conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken a dramatic
turn. In a bold move, Russia has launched a renewed offensive, capturing
significant portions of eastern Ukraine and cutting off vital supply routes. This
 escalation has brought NATO forces to a state of high alert, with fears that any
misstep could lead to a direct confrontation between Russia and the West.
Cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns originating from Russia have
destabilized European economies, leaving the European Union scrambling to
counteract the threat. The world watches as the conflict teeters on the brink of
all-out war.
4. Economic Turmoil and Social Unrest
o The interconnected nature of these crises has triggered a global economic
downturn, with energy prices skyrocketing due to disruptions in oil and gas
supplies. Countries heavily dependent on energy imports, such as Italy, South
Africa, and Thailand, are facing widespread protests and civil unrest.
Governments are under immense pressure to find solutions, with the specter of
financial collapse looming large. The CCC must address these economic
challenges, balancing short-term relief measures with sustainable strategies to
stabilize global markets and ensure energy security.
5. China's Strategic Maneuvers in Africa and Beyond
o China, while officially neutral in many of these conflicts, has been accused of
strategically supporting insurgent groups in Africa to expand its influence over
the continent's vast mineral and energy resources. Beijing has also intensified
its Belt and Road Initiative, offering debt relief and infrastructure investments
to African nations in exchange for political allegiance. Simultaneously, China
has positioned itself as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, seeking to
broker a ceasefire while pursuing its own geopolitical interests. The CCC will
have to navigate China's dual role as both a potential peacemaker and a covert
destabilizer.
6. Middle Eastern Power Struggles: Iran and Israel
o The ongoing turmoil has created new opportunities for regional powers like
Iran and Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has been accused of arming The
New Caliphate in the Sahel, further complicating the crisis. Meanwhile,
Israel, concerned about Iranian influence, has launched preemptive strikes to
protect its borders, exacerbating tensions in the Middle East. The region is a
powder keg, and any misstep could ignite a broader conflict involving both
state and non-state actors. The committee must address these power struggles,
considering the complex web of alliances and enmities that define Middle
Eastern geopolitics.
7. Environmental and Cyber Threats
o As if geopolitical tensions weren’t enough, natural disasters exacerbated by
climate change are wreaking havoc on vulnerable regions, straining
international disaster response efforts. Simultaneously, the rise of cyber
warfare has introduced new vulnerabilities, with state-sponsored cyberattacks
targeting critical infrastructure in Europe, Asia, and North America. These
cyber offensives are not only disrupting daily life but also crippling
 government responses to the ongoing crises. The CCC will need to formulate a
comprehensive approach to mitigate these threats and protect global
infrastructure.

Historical Context
1. War in the Mediterranean: Turkey and Greece
o The tensions between Turkey and Greece are deeply rooted in a complex
history of conflict that stretches back over a century. After the dissolution of
the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, the Treaty of Lausanne (1923)
redefined borders and set the stage for disputes over sovereignty and territorial
waters. The issue was compounded by the Cyprus crisis in the 1970s, which
saw both nations locked in a protracted struggle over the island's status. In the
21st century, these conflicts evolved to include maritime boundaries and rights
over rich offshore energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. The 2010s
and early 2020s witnessed several near-clashes between naval forces as both
sides conducted military exercises and explored for oil and gas. In 2024,
renewed hostilities have erupted as both nations lay claim to newly discovered
energy reserves, threatening regional stability and dividing NATO along fault
lines. The war’s impact on energy supply chains and maritime trade routes has
drawn global attention, making resolution efforts a top priority.
2. The Rise of The New Caliphate in the Sahel
o The Sahel region of Africa has long been a breeding ground for terrorism and
insurgency, fueled by poverty, weak governance, and ethnic divisions. In the
early 2000s, groups like Boko Haram and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQIM) began to destabilize nations, launching attacks and seizing territory.
Despite numerous international interventions, such as the French-led
Operation Barkhane, these groups have proven resilient, often exploiting
political instability and regional conflicts. By 2024, a new jihadist group, The
New Caliphate, has emerged, far more organized and well-armed than its
predecessors. This organization has managed to unify various factions under a
single banner, drawing funding and sophisticated weaponry from shadowy
sources, rumored to include rogue states seeking to destabilize the region for
their own gain. The New Caliphate's sweeping territorial gains in Mali and
incursions into Nigeria and Ethiopia represent a dire threat, destabilizing local
governments and creating a humanitarian disaster. The CCC faces a daunting
challenge: contain the insurgency while addressing the root causes of
instability and securing international support.
3. Russia and Ukraine: A Renewed Offensive
o The roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict trace back to the collapse of the
Soviet Union in 1991, when Ukraine declared independence and began
gravitating toward the West. Tensions flared in 2014 when Russia annexed
Crimea and pro-Russian separatists, allegedly supported by Moscow, seized
parts of eastern Ukraine. The conflict persisted as a low-intensity war until
Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, sparking widespread
 condemnation and severe economic sanctions from Western countries. By
2024, the war has evolved into a brutal and grinding conflict, with Russia
launching a renewed offensive aimed at capturing strategic territories in
eastern Ukraine. The global repercussions have been severe, from disruptions
in food and energy supplies to a surge in cyberattacks targeting European
infrastructure. Russia’s aggressive tactics and use of hybrid warfare,
combining traditional military operations with cyber and information warfare,
have placed NATO on high alert, heightening the risk of a wider conflict. The
CCC must navigate the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and
preventing an all-out war between Russia and the West.
4. Economic Turmoil and Social Unrest
o The economic crisis gripping the world in 2024 is reminiscent of past global
recessions but is compounded by the unique challenges of this era. The world
economy has grown increasingly interconnected, with energy prices and
supply chains tightly linked. The war in the Mediterranean has disrupted vital
shipping routes, causing oil and gas prices to skyrocket. Simultaneously, the
war between Russia and Ukraine has choked off crucial exports of grain and
energy, leading to widespread inflation and food shortages, particularly in
developing countries. Nations like Italy, heavily reliant on Russian gas, have
experienced significant economic strain, with civil unrest erupting in major
cities. In South Africa and Thailand, widespread protests have broken out,
demanding immediate governmental intervention to address the cost-of-living
crisis. The historical precedents of economic downturns leading to social
upheaval are a sobering reminder of the stakes involved. Governments must
act swiftly to stabilize markets while addressing the humanitarian needs of
their populations.
5. China's Strategic Maneuvers in Africa and Beyond
o China's rise as a global superpower has been marked by its ambitious Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013 to expand Beijing’s influence
through infrastructure investments across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The BRI
has led to significant debt dependency in many developing nations, especially
in Africa, where China has built roads, ports, and railways. Critics argue that
this strategy amounts to "debt-trap diplomacy," giving China leverage over
indebted nations. By 2024, China has adopted a more assertive stance,
allegedly providing covert support to insurgent groups in Africa to undermine
Western influence and secure access to critical natural resources. Beijing's
involvement in the Sahel region, while officially framed as neutral, has raised
alarms in Western capitals. Simultaneously, China has positioned itself as a
key player in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, offering to mediate peace talks
while pursuing its own strategic interests. The CCC must weigh the
implications of China’s dual role and consider measures to counterbalance
Beijing’s growing influence.
6. Middle Eastern Power Struggles: Iran and Israel
 o The rivalry between Iran and Israel has defined the Middle East’s
geopolitical landscape for decades. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran
has consistently opposed Israel, funding and arming groups like Hezbollah and
Hamas. In response, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes to prevent Iran
from developing nuclear weapons and expanding its influence in Syria and
Lebanon. By 2024, the power struggle has reached new heights, with Iran’s
Revolutionary Guard accused of supplying arms to The New Caliphate in the
Sahel, using the chaos to extend Tehran’s influence into Africa. Meanwhile,
Israel, facing threats from Iranian-backed militias, has ramped up military
operations in the region, conducting preemptive strikes that have further
destabilized the Middle East. This ongoing conflict has significant global
ramifications, as the United States and European nations are drawn into the
fray, balancing their alliances with Israel and their diplomatic engagements
with Iran. The CCC must consider how to de-escalate this conflict while
ensuring regional stability and protecting global interests.

Conclusion

The world in 2024 stands at a precarious crossroads, with crises unfolding on multiple fronts
and threatening to unravel the fragile web of global stability. From escalating wars between
traditional rivals and the rise of sophisticated terrorist organizations to economic instability
and the shadowy influence of great powers like China and Russia, the challenges facing this
Continuous Crisis Committee are immense and complex. Historical grievances and power
struggles, some decades or even centuries old, have resurfaced with renewed intensity, testing
the resilience of international alliances and institutions.

Delegates must approach these crises with a keen understanding of both history and modern-
day geopolitical dynamics. The interconnected nature of these threats requires coordinated,
multifaceted solutions that balance diplomacy, economic policy, and strategic military
responses. As you step into the roles of key decision-makers, remember that every action has
far-reaching consequences, not only for the countries involved but also for the broader
international community. The decisions made in this committee will shape the future
trajectory of global relations, making it imperative to weigh national interests against the
greater good of global peace and security.

The world is watching, and the responsibility lies with you to navigate these turbulent waters.
Will your strategies bring about a new era of stability, or will they plunge the world deeper
into chaos? The future hangs in the balance, and the outcome is yours to shape.