With the assassination Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, on June 28th 1914, and the outbreak of the Great War in Europe, the Ottoman Empire was dragged into the conflict due to a secret alliance with the German Empire. Now the sick-man of Europe must fight for its survival against the forces of the Entente along with their regional allies. In the sands of Arabia and the rugged mountains of the Caucuses, the destiny of Empires and nations will be decided. When discussing the First World War the Middle Eastern theatre is often looked over but the results of the conflict are still impactful to the present-day states within the near-east.
The empires of Russia and Great Britain have greatly expanded their influence in the Middle East over the past century. Britain’s domain in Western Asia stretches from Egypt and the Southern Arabian peninsula to Kuwait. Meanwhile, Russia occupies large swathes of land in Central Asia and the Caucasus mountains and likewise seeks to add more territory to their empire. However, overextension and domestic issues remain just as prevalent for the two great powers of the Entente as they are for the Ottoman Empire. In Russia, the Tsar’s legitimacy is being called into question and the Empire cannot handle another failed war or face economic ruin. The war’s popularity also plays a prominent role in Britain where support can fluctuate depending on the nation’s successes and failures. In order to protect and expand their territorial holdings, the Entente will need to work closely with local Arab and Armenian leaders.
Chair: Carter Bryant
Carter Bryant is a second-year undergraduate student in the college of Arts and Sciences, studying History, English, Russian, and Psychology. This is her second year on Seton Hall’s model UN team, having attended two conferences in her first year and awarding at one. Outside of MUN, she usually has her nose buried in a book or hanging out in the village with her flatmates. Additionally, Carter is involved in Greek life on campus (go Kappa!), the university Honours program, and co-founded the student-run arts magazine on campus last semester with her housemate Michael Brown. For HallMUN, she’ll be leading the allies through the World War I: Middle East Committee! Feel free to email Carter with any questions regarding the committee at sarah.bryant@student.shu.edu
Crisis Director: Sebastian Kopec
Sebastian is a third-year undergraduate student studying International Relations and Diplomacy with minors in Russian, Eastern European Studies, History, and Economics. He is excited to be a Crisis Director for HallMUN’s first conference and first time directing a JCC in a conference as well. Outside of MUN he enjoys watching movies and playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. He also considers himself an accomplished home cook, though his housemates might disagree. Additionally, he is involved in activism and politics through the Sunrise Movement and DSA in New Jersey as well as back home in Chicago. He is excited about this year’s HallMUN and cannot wait to put in the effort to make it an excellent conference for the delegates and staffers alike! Feel free to email Sebastian with any questions regarding the committee at sebastian.kopec@student.shu.edu
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