Topic 1: Territory Disputes Over the Spratly Islands

The Spratly Islands are currently the site of one of the world's most contentious border disputes. For decades, six nations have argued for their share of the islands, based mostly on either a historical claim or rights delineated in their Exclusive Economic Zone. However, tensions have heightened as of late, with the constriction of military bases and installations, above all by China. Despite being located over a thousand miles away from the Chinese mainland and sitting geographically adjacent to Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines and Malaysia,  the islands have recently been the site of much Chinese construction and military presence. Confrontations between marine forces of involved nations have already been highly publicized, but in light of ever tenser relations between China and its neighbors and bold responses and construction projects, the question remains whether the hot-bud dispute can be deescalated. In this committee, delegates should seek to address conflicts in the region with the goals of easing tensions. 

Topic 2: Addressing the Myanmar Civil-War

Since the overthrow of Myanmar's democratically elected government by a military junta in 2021, the nation has found itself absolutely engulfed by conflict. Before 2021, the nation was already dealing with several armed rebel factions located around the country's vast and often inaccessible territory. Infact, over a dozen armed groups have been involved, however the current conflict can be most simply summarized into its pro- and anti-junta factions, controlling disparate fragments of territory scattered around the nation. The war has also been marked by polarizing responses from the East and West, with China and Russia strongly backing the junta and preventing punitive measures within the UN. Tens of thousands of people have already lost their lives, and the conflict is yet to have any end in sight. The civil war has worsened conditions in what is already considered Southeast Asia's poorest nation, and whether a peaceful conclusion can be achieved is still uncertain. The above factors emphasize the importance for delegates to seek lasting solutions in pursuit of peace.

Topic 1: Sovereignty and Foreign Influence in China

In October 1856, tensions between Chinese and British officials had been growing for almost two decades since the disastrous First Opium War. In early October, Chinese officials in Canton seized the cargo ship Arrow because of suspected opium smuggling, arresting much of its Chinese crew. However, the Arrow may have been flying the British flag at the time of the seizure, and its captain allegedly saw Chinese marines lower the British flag. By October 25, the outraged British were demanding to enter Canton. Now, the city is under siege and all parties must determine how they will proceed in this nearly inevitable war. The Chinese seek to assert their economic independence and maintain stability in a nation that has already been rocked by the Taiping Rebellion and the humiliating Treaty of Nanjing. The British and French seek to establish more secure economic footholds in the region while still competing with each other. The committee must determine how to react to these competing interests in war and in peace.

Topic 2: The Economic and Humanitarian Effects of the Opium Trade
While geopolitics and war rages in the port of Canton, the opium trade and growing globalization is having real impacts on the Chinese economy and people. Europeans cannot get enough of Chinese goods, from tea to silk to porcelain, but the only thing they have that the Chinese will buy is illegal opium. But the balance of trade is shifting, and silver is flowing out of China, further destabilizing the local economy. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are becoming addicted to opium, despite initially harsh government responses against opium dens and stockpiles. How will the Chinese deal with the economic and public health crises caused by the influx of opium. How will the Europeans assert their own mercantile interests and compete with each other? What will globalized trade and life in China look like when this crisis is over?

Topic 1: Addressing Ethnic Tensions fueling the Conflict

The Konfrontasi is not merely a territorial dispute gone wrong, but also a reflection of deep-seated ethnic tensions in the region. The formation of Malaysia — considered to be the major reason behind the confrontation — brought together diverse ethnic groups formerly separate from one another, including Malays, Chinese, and indigenous populations. The multi-ethnic composition of a new nation raises concerns about power balance and representation — and a primary point of contention within President Sukarno's anti-Malaysian rhetoric. As a delegates within the committee, you must choose how to address the concerns which all parties have in regards to the ethnic issues within the region — and attempt to solve them effectively

Topic 2: Addressing Foreign Influence within Southeast Asia

While ethnic tensions can certainly be seen as a major starting point of the Konfrontasi, a more outward looking eye can spot that the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation is occurring against the backdrop of intense Cold War rivalries in Southeast Asia. Major powers are seeking to either extend or preserve their influence in the region, often by supporting different sides in local conflicts. The United States, United Kingdom, China and the Soviet Union have great interests in the region, be it in its natural resources or great influence that controlling the region would grant to the respective nation’s ideology in the long-term. To solve the Konfrontasi, then, is to recognize that a long-term status quo must be reached — which is only possible if foreign influence within the region is properly acknowledged and addressed.

Topic 1: Foreign Espionage and Global Surveillance

In a world where information has become a crucial asset, surveillance and intelligence-sharing networks play an increasingly central role in global political dynamics. While such practices are often framed as essential for security and diplomacy, their impact on national sovereignty and political autonomy raises important questions, particularly for developing nations. The exchange of intelligence among nations and alliances can influence internal political developments and broader geopolitical relationships. Delegates in SPECPOL will have the opportunity to explore how these practices intersect with issues of sovereignty, self-determination, and the broader balance of power in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Topic 2: International Financial Institutions and Debt Dependencies

The relationship between developing nations and international financial institutions has long been a cornerstone of global economic cooperation. Infrastructure development programs, in particular, have emerged as key drivers of growth, yet the terms of financial assistance can sometimes lead to intricate economic dependencies. The dynamics of these relationships have significant implications for economic sovereignty, long-term development, and global financial systems. SPECPOL will examine the multifaceted nature of these partnerships, providing space to explore how nations navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by external financing and the pursuit of sustainable development.

Topic 1: Addressing Language Preservation and Literacy Rates

Among the nearly 7,000 languages spoken around the world, almost 1,400 of them–20 percent–originate from the Pacific region. As lingua francas/official languages continue to dominate economical and educational spheres, the number of active speakers of indigenous languages is declining, and literacy rates remain low. Factors such as limited access to early childhood education, shrinking island populations, and shifting cultural values serve to further complicate these issues. Delegates should carefully consider the balance between assimilation and accommodation to develop solutions regarding indigenous language’s role within national identity, education, and policy in order to best embrace language diversity in addressing literacy rates.

Topic 2: Assessing the Multidimensional Ramifications of Tourism

As global tourism has skyrocketed in recent years due to growing awareness of new destinations, over-tourism has emerged as an issue for many destinations globally, not discounting the Pacific Islands. Pressure on local resources, gentrification, rising sea levels, and negligence towards cultural norms only serve as some of the few grievances towards this sudden popularity. Despite these challenges, tourism still represents a sizable portion of the local economy in many PIF states, making a complete ban on tourism unrealistic. Balancing the many different factors at play will be difficult, but quintessential towards finding lasting solutions in the region. Delegates should seek out multidimensional solutions towards addressing the many challenges associated with the region’s sudden rise in tourism.