Merging Resolutions

Merging: When Two Papers Become One

Most MUN committees produce 2-4 competing working papers. Chairs often encourage merging — and a merged resolution with broad support is more likely to pass.

When to Merge

• When two papers have significant overlap (saving time)
• When neither paper has enough votes to pass alone
• When the chair explicitly encourages it
• When merging creates a stronger, more comprehensive resolution

When NOT to Merge

• When the other paper contradicts your core position
• When your paper has enough votes to pass independently
• When the merge would water down your key operative clauses

The Merge Negotiation Process

1. Compare papers clause by clause. Identify: (a) clauses that overlap, (b) clauses unique to each paper, (c) clauses that contradict.
2. Keep overlapping clauses — they represent consensus.
3. Include unique clauses from both papers where they don't conflict.
4. Negotiate contradictions. This is where compromise happens. Options:
   • Adopt one paper's language
   • Write new compromise language that splits the difference
   • Drop the contradicting clauses entirely
5. Agree on sponsorship. The merged paper should list sponsors from both original papers.
6. Rewrite the preamble to justify the new operative section.

Power Dynamics in Merging

The bloc with more signatories has more leverage — but don't overplay it. A merge that alienates the other bloc defeats the purpose.