How to Prepare for MUN Crisis Committee
Crisis committees are the most fast-paced and creative format in Model UN. This guide covers everything from crisis arcs to directive writing, backroom strategy, and portfolio powers.
Practice crisis scenarios with AI
Model Diplomat simulates crisis updates and lets you practice writing directives and managing evolving situations.
What Is a Crisis Committee?
Unlike General Assembly committees where delegates represent countries and pass resolutions, crisis committees feature individual characters (world leaders, military commanders, corporate executives) who respond to a rapidly evolving scenario. A crisis staff "backroom" introduces updates that change the situation, and delegates must react quickly with directives and strategic moves.
Crisis committees reward creativity, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making. They're smaller (15-30 delegates), more personal, and often the most memorable part of a MUN conference.
Crisis vs. General Assembly: Key Differences
| Aspect | General Assembly | Crisis Committee |
|---|---|---|
| Representation | Countries | Individual characters |
| Output | Resolutions | Directives & crisis notes |
| Pace | Slow and procedural | Fast and dynamic |
| Committee Size | 50-200 delegates | 15-30 delegates |
| Secret Actions | None | Crisis notes to backroom |
| Award Criteria | Speeches, resolutions, collaboration | Creativity, strategy, initiative |
Understanding the Crisis Arc
Phase 1: Setup & Introduction
The crisis staff introduces the scenario and initial situation. Delegates give opening speeches establishing their character's position and priorities. This is your chance to build early alliances.
Phase 2: Escalation
Crisis updates intensify the situation. New threats emerge, resources become scarce, and factions form. Delegates must respond with directives while sending crisis notes to the backroom for secret actions.
Phase 3: Climax & Resolution
The crisis reaches its peak. Alliances may shift, betrayals happen, and the final directive(s) determine the outcome. This is where bold, creative moves are rewarded.
How to Write a Directive
Directives are the crisis equivalent of resolutions. They're shorter, more action-oriented, and must respond to the current situation. A good directive includes:
DIRECTIVE [Number]
Sponsors: [Character names]
Signatories: [Character names]
Subject: [Clear, specific title]
1. [Specific action to be taken immediately]
2. [Second action with clear responsible party]
3. [Third action with timeline or condition]
4. [Contingency plan if actions fail]
Crisis Notes: The Backroom Strategy
Crisis notes are private messages sent to the crisis backroom staff. They allow you to take secret actions using your character's "portfolio powers" — the resources and capabilities your character uniquely has access to.
Use your portfolio powers
If you're a military commander, deploy troops. If you're a CEO, use corporate resources. If you're a diplomat, leverage contacts.
Be specific
Don't write "I use my connections." Write "I contact Ambassador X at the British Embassy to propose a back-channel negotiation on the ceasefire terms."
Think creatively
The best crisis delegates find unconventional solutions. Bribe, blackmail, form secret alliances, leak information to the press — within your character's capabilities.
Balance public and private
The best strategy combines strong speeches in committee with aggressive backroom action. Neither alone wins awards.
Practice Crisis with AI Simulation
Model Diplomat simulates crisis scenarios with AI-generated updates, so you can practice directive writing and backroom strategy.
Try Crisis Simulation Free