The two keys to successful research are thoroughness and cooperation. Your readings should encompass considerations of the United Nations, agenda topics, committee background, country background, and the specific position of your nation on each agenda item. Each delegation should function as a team, not a mere group of individuals. Coordination of efforts and ideas is crucial for effective diplomacy.

Understanding the History, Structure and Operations of the United Nations

Solid preparation must begin with an understanding of the United Nations itself. If you have not yet become familiar with the origins of the UN, The United Nations: International Organization and World Politics by Robert E. Riggs and Jack C. Plano provides a thorough historical background on the UN as well as a complete description of UN structure. Another good source is Everyone's United Nations (New York: United Nations, annual). Both of these sources can provide the historical context necessary to truly understand the United Nations. Upon acquiring a sense of the setting within which the UN was created, its structure, purpose and historical development should be reviewed. With the aim of applying this knowledge to WestMUN, the following should be closely examined:

• The UN structure. The relationship between the various organs of the United Nations system (The Security Council, The General Assembly, The International Court of Justice, etc.), the United Nations and member states, and areas of jurisdiction as they have developed since 1945.
• International relations theory. The concepts of collective security, complex interdependence, pacific settlement of disputes, bilateral and multilateral negotiations, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication.
• The Charter of the United Nations. This should include a review of the changes that have been made over the years without resort to the amendment process, and the evolution of the various schools of Charter interpretation, as well as the division of responsibilities as dictated by the Charter to the various organs.
• Your committee or body. Although your Director has provided a brief introduction to the Committee/Plenary Meeting/Council/Court, a more in-depth knowledge of the history and precedents, important resolutions, findings rulings, etc. will enhance your enjoyment and understanding at the conference. This should include a study of the relations of your committee to the UN as a whole, as well as into the interactions of the committee itself.

Each member of the delegation will represent his or her nation on a different committee at WestMUN. Consequently, each delegate should both understand the function of the committee and the topics which are on its agenda. The first resource to consult is the Directors Report which follows in that section. The background guide will include a brief description of the agenda topics and a bibliography. It should in no way be considered the ultimate resource or the only source of information necessary for conference preparation.
For each agenda topic you should do sufficient research to be able to determine the following: UN actions past, present and potential; you nations performance and voting records; relevant resolutions and amendments that your nation has sponsored, supported or opposed; who your allies and adversaries are in committee on each agenda topic; why your national policy on this issue is as it is and where it can be altered; what changes have occurred in the last few months which might alter your countrys policies; what could you gain by making concessions - or by standing fast on an issue; etc.

Once your delegation has been assigned a nation, it should begin its study with a systematic overview of that nations political, economic, and socio-cultural development. It is these domestic factors which determine and shape the direction of foreign policy. In addition, examine what other local or regional organizations of which your nation is a member. Also, other questions which should be addressed include: Who are your allies? Adversaries? What are the major foreign policy problems that your nation faces? What does your nation seek from its membership in the United Nations?
In your research, do not overlook the negative aspect of your national policy. Often what (or who) is not supported is as important as what is. Research the problems within your nation regarding ethnic minorities, suppression of dissent, division of wealth, governmental inconsistencies, foreign policy hypocrisies, etc. If you dont take note of them, chances are someone else will and call you on the carpet for them. Dont overlook the subtler aspects of your domestic and foreign policies.

It is useful to provide practice in public speaking and presentation of policy statements prior to WestMUN. A practice simulation, like that of CALMUN or just a simple simulation in class or group can be held to facilitate learning and the use of the Rules of Procedure. These can be extremely helpful in giving delegates a feel for the way a simulation will run. As well, it allows for a chance to begin looking at issues from another perspective. Several such practices prior to a conference can be extremely helpful and experienced delegates can be refreshed in procedure as the newer delegates pick up on the committee flow.

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