Hot Topics!

Introduction

Over the course of the summer, a number of international situations garnered a great deal of attention. There are certainly topics that have been "hot" for some time, and some of the topics presented here have been flying under the radar for a while only to emerge this summer as major issue below is a list of these topics and as with any list, they will prompt lot and discussion that could lead to many more topics to consider.

Also, I am soliciting information about topics offered at undergraduate level model UN's. I will be working on this as well, but they usually have a wealth of historical topics, and none are presented below. A list of historical topics is forthcoming!

The Arria Formula and Potential Model UN Topics

Diego Arria was the Venezuelan Ambassador to the united Nations from 1991 to 1993. As the result of his experiences on the Security Council, he began a tradition of informal consultations among SC members in a room adjoining the SC Chamber designed to address complex issues in private first. This “Arria Formula” allowed delegates to engage in frank discussions in private that could pave the way for speeches in public that provided a clearer idea about potential solutions to problems faced by member states. Any of the following topic ideas I believe are well suited to a model UN “Arria Formula” Security Council-or other committee-where rules are informal and students must craft complex solutions to difficult topics.

The Topics, Framed by Essential Questions:

1.What does the world do about the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea? All of the missile tests conducted by North Korea over this of course created a potentially disastrous international atmosphere in Eastern Asia. One potential focus is obvious-how should either the United Nations or any group of major powers deal with North Korea's actions?

There is a second question, however, that is been kicking around the 1980s the first statistical analysis tools are used to create formulas for dealing with nations: what formula can great powers come up with to make sure that small powers do not start wars? The key to any formula is making sure the great powers look like the good guys.

There is also a third question: should the entire matter be left to North and South Korea to resolve?

Possible venues for debate: Arria Formula, Security Council, National governments, the IAEA, ASEAN, Union of Concerned Scientists, and many more

2. An obvious follow-up question one involves this issue: How can we avoid a new nuclear arms race in Asia? I am certain students will try to make a correlation between nuclear proliferation and bad haircuts, so topic designers should make sure that the broadest possible picture of nuclear proliferation is part of this discussion.

Potential areas for debate: limiting North Korea’s nuclear program, preventing Japan from changing its constitution to allow for nuclear weapons, North Korea’s missile tests and international law, the role of China as a regional leader-does China depart from its Five Principles, increasing (or decreasing) the military posture of the United States in the region, how does the Association of Southeast Asian Nations respond?

3. Are the Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar subject to “ethnic cleansing?”. This summer, the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner stated that the treatment of Muslims in Myanmar constitute ethnic cleansing. Man mar has become the focal point of efforts to build democracy Asia. And the silence of Aung San Suu Kyi on the subject has cast doubt about this legendary activist's commitment to human rights for all. If there is any good news in all this, it is that Myanmar cannot sweep this one under the rug. They have the attention of the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, every human rights watch group, and every other nation in the region. Recommended for advanced delegates.

Possible venues for debate: UNHCR, Security Council, Arria Formula, ASEAN, UN Economic and Social Council, UNICEF, UNESCO…

4. How do nations and regional organizations respond to the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Accord? We are now in the second phase of responses to the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Accord. It may be time to look at how the nations of the world will structure their national and global responses to this by focusing on regional responses to issues created by the actions of the United States. There are legal issues as well-can the United States be held liable for any damages to nations resulting from its policies? Mexico, Canada, and the nations of the Caribbean will be the ones most directly affected, but so will small island states and Europe.

Conversely, the issue of China’s pollution reaching the United States is a major factor in U.S. policy making. What should be done internationally to remove China as a global environmental threat? The actions of the United States and China on this issue are clearly tied to each other.

Possible Venues for debate: Paris Accord, UNEP, Organization of American States, Alliance of Small Island States, ASEAN, the EU…

5. What is the international impact of the cancellation of the DACA program? This topic has implications for the UN Economic and Social Committee, the Organization of American States, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and Congress, which is on the clock to come up with an alternative. This a topic that could be presented through any of these venues for debate.

6. What legal and constitutional issues have been raised by the Pardon of Sheriff Arpaio? President Trump’s decision to pardon Sheriff Joe Arpaio has opened an constitutional debate about the power of a president to pardon. Constitutional Conventions, a Supreme Court scenario, meeting of the National Sheriff’s Association

7.How is food waste the key to increasing food security? The amount of food produced by regions around the world far exceeds the amount consumed according to the FAO, and yet the barriers getting food to the consumer are greater than ever. How can this problem be rectified by focusing on reducing food waste?

8.How can we reduce the number of people who have no access to financial transaction accounts? Economic issues can be tough to develop for model UN’s, but this emerging issue could be a winner. 2 billion people lack access to any kind of banking services, and there is near universal agreement that if local economies are going to grow and pull millions out of poverty, people need access to banking services. The World Bank, IMF, General Assembly, and any number of regional organizations could approach this issue.

9. In a world of where elections are subject to computer hacking and fake news, how will nations approach the internet? This topic allows students to explore the issue of tampering elections beyond the issues involved with the United States. Fake news of course could be treated as entirely different subject, and that is certainly recommended. The two subjects can be woven together given their cumulative impact. Possible venues for debate are both national and international, but they could be local as well. What if a town anywhere decided to block certain aspects of the Internet to protect its voting process?

10. Who will win the Iron Throne next year? You know this is coming…

11. What planet should control the Infinity Stones? You know this is coming too...the Marvel Comics Universe will envelope us all.