Research Practice Lab

Your Assignment

You've been assigned to represent Kenya on the UN General Assembly Sixth Committee (Legal) discussing the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction.

This is a real UNGA agenda item (item 86). Universal jurisdiction — the principle that any state can prosecute certain grave international crimes regardless of where they occurred — is deeply contested.

Western states generally support expansive universal jurisdiction (it enables European courts to prosecute war criminals). The African Group, through the AU, has pushed back — arguing that universal jurisdiction has been applied selectively against African leaders (e.g., the ICC's focus on African situations). Kenya has been particularly vocal: it led the AU's resistance to the ICC after warrants were issued against Kenyan leaders (including then-President Kenyatta) for post-election violence in 2007-08.

This is a genuinely complex assignment. Kenya is not simply 'anti-ICC' — it's a country that has cooperated with international tribunals, hosts the UN's Africa headquarters (UNON in Nairobi), and has a sophisticated legal community. Its position on universal jurisdiction reflects real tensions between accountability and sovereignty.

Going Deeper

Mastery of this topic comes from sustained practice in committee, debate room, and study circle, not from any single lesson. The most successful MUN delegates, debate competitors, and political-research practitioners treat each new concept as a building block for the next conference, tournament, or written brief.

Connecting to Practice

When you encounter this concept in committee, ask yourself three questions:

1. How does this apply to my current position? A delegate representing Brazil on UNSC reform applies political-economic concepts differently than one representing the United States. A debate competitor preparing the affirmative case on a particular topic applies analytical frameworks differently than one preparing the negative.
2. What evidence supports my application? Mastery requires moving beyond abstract concept to specific cited evidence. Build the habit of finding 2-3 primary sources that ground your application of any concept.
3. What counter-arguments would the strongest opposition raise? Anticipating opposition is the single highest-leverage skill in competitive activities. The best delegates and debaters prepare for the strongest version of opposing arguments, not the weakest.

Building Your Resource Library

Develop a personal library of go-to sources for the concepts and issues that matter most for your work. For most MUN and debate competitors, the core library includes:

• Primary documents: UN resolutions, treaty texts, government statements relevant to your committee or topic.
• Quality secondary sources: think-tank reports (CFR, Brookings, CSIS, Chatham House), peer-reviewed journal articles, recognized news outlets.
• Historical context: foundational books and articles on your topic area.
• Recent developments: news in the last 90 days that affects your position.

Why Sustained Practice Matters

The difference between bronze-level and gold-level performance in MUN and debate is not raw intelligence — it is hours of structured practice. Recognized champions typically practice 5-10 hours per week between competitions, not the night before. Build sustainable practice habits, and your performance will improve cumulatively across seasons.