​​Following Ukrainian president Yanukovych’s unexpected decision to move away from the ongoing negotiation of Ukraine’s association agreement with the European Union in favor of an economic deal with Russia in 2013, protests erupted and were soon met with violent crackdowns the following year. Later becoming known as the Revolution of Dignity, or Euromaidan, these protests ultimately forced Yanukovych to flee the country, ending Ukraine’s pro-Russian leadership and pivoting the government in favor of Europe.

 

Opposed to the anticipated rise of a pro-Western agenda in a new Ukrainian government and taking advantage of the country’s political instability, Russian leadership soon solidified its plans to occupy and annex The Autonomous Republic of Crimea – found on the lower peninsula of Ukraine – with the goal of returning it to Russian control.

 

It is now the 22nd of February, 2014. While Putin meets with his security chiefs to finalize Russia’s decision to move its military into Crimea, Ukraine must recover from the instability of the revolutionary period, form a functional government in line with public interest, grapple with questions of sociopolitical reform, and address conflicting allegiances among the populace.  

 

Taking on the role of politicians, military officials, and other influential local and international actors with a variety of perspectives, delegates will have to work together to simultaneously address the post-revolution political environment and, most importantly, the short- and long-term threats of Russian aggression.

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CHAIR: Eric Mohorea