Research the Topics
This should go without saying, but please read all of the preparation material provided by YMGE. The directors and crisis directors often outline what topics you should research in the study material. Ignoring it will only disservice yourself.
If you’re in a Cabinet or Council, trace out broad themes that could affect your crisis arc. Prepare responses by sketching out solutions so that you’re prepared. YMGE often has a thematic component: energy, migration, human rights. Try to identify the common thread between the cabinets and councils.
If you’re in the Specialized Agency, you will already know your topics. Break down your research
Research the European Union
At its core, YMGE explore how the European Union may respond to different crisis scenarios. To effectively respond, therefore, delegates should have an understanding of how the European Union is structured, what bodies exist in the European Union, how those bodies interact with one another, the powers and scope of each body, what treaties govern the European Union, and how member states interact with the European Union.
Research European Geography
Many European crisis track back either directly or indirectly to the geography of the continent. Political geography (such as capital cities), physical geography (such as rivers and mountain ranges), and human geography (population and demographic patterns) all play incredibly important roles in the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of Europe.
Oil and gas crises trace back to the ability to move large quantities of fuel across large distances. Ethnic tensions are fueled by population disbursement. And migration patterns directly impact political borders.
Don’t underestimate the role of geography in your preparation.
Research European Membership
This may go without saying, but you should probably (definitely) know what countries are actually in the European Union. And yes, before you ask, the United Kingdom is still in the European Union. The “Brexit,” while passed by popular referendum, still has major stumbling blocks to overcome before the UK officially exists the European Union.
But don’t stop there.
It would be greatly beneficial for all delegates to know which states are members of NATO, the Schengen Area, and the Eurozone. Here’s a hint: they’re all different.
Good luck!
In the event that you decided to ignore this lesson and jump straight the end, at least watch this video:
