​​Topic 1: Operation Condor 

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From 1975-1983, right-wing dictatorships in the Southern Cone of South America (notably Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay) executed a campaign of political repression against perceived state enemies and left-wing sympathizers. The campaign was marked by intelligence operations, assassinations, and coups that resulted in the deaths and disappearances of around 60,000 individuals and the imprisonment of roughly 400,000. The operation, which began in Chile under dictator Augosto Pinochet, was dedicated to the suppression of Marxist ideals and acted as a formal system of coordinated repression. Throughout the operation of state terror, thousands of left-wing parties, trade unionists, religious groups, liberal politicians, and more were identified, targeted, and attacked. The operation ceased in the early 1980s following the collapse of the South American military dictatorships involved, formally collapsing in 1983 with the restoration of democracy in Argentina under President Raúl Alfonsín. This committee will address the aftermath of Operation Condor. As an organization, the OAS acts on the five main pillars: promoting democracy, defending human rights, ensuring security, fostering development and prosperity, and supporting inter-American legal cooperation. How will the OAS act to bring justice to the victims of Operation Condor, hold its perpetrators accountable, and support the Southern Cone nations as they transition to democracy? As the Southern Cone transitions away from dictatorship, will the OAS succeed in delivering justice and accountability, or will the legacy of Operation Condor continue to haunt the Americas?

 

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Topic 2: The Reign of Cocaine: Medellín Cartel 

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The late 1970s marked the rise of transnational drug trafficking across the Americas, epitomized by the Medellín Cartel. Headquartered in Medellín, Colombia, this international criminal network founded and led by drug lord Pablo Escobar dominated the global cocaine market and employed brutal violence in order to maintain unprecedented power and control. Its operations reached far across the Americas, including critical transit routes in Central America and smuggling subs in the Caribbean. This committee will address the transnational drug trafficking crisis of the 1970s and 1980s. As an organization committed to ensuring security, how can the OAS act to dismantle illicit cross-border networks, curb cartel-related violence, and strengthen inter-American legal frameworks? 

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CHAIR: Miniya Malone​

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