Organization of American States (OAS)
Welcome to the Committee Page for the Organization of American States! Here, you can find details on the committee and the students who are chairing it, download the background guide, and learn about suggested primary source reading for the committee. Check the page regularly for committee updates.
Chair Contact Information
Chair: Olivia GreeneVice Chair: Amanda Tan
Crisis Director: Matthew Rendely
Contact Email: oas@cmunce.org
Recent Updates
[November 15, 2008]: The Background guide has been posted.
[May 2008]: Welcome to the Organization of American States webpage. Keep your eyes peeled to this site in the coming month for updates.
Committee Description
The Organization of American States committee at CMUNCE will discuss democracy and security, two issues central to many nations in the western hemisphere. The first topic, the militarization of Latin American, will cover the promises and concerns of military build-up in the region. In the past decades many Latin American countries have transitioned from military led governments to civilian led governments. Recent booms in military spending mark the first time since having military-run governments that many countries have invested so significantly in their militaries. While it is an indication of an ordinary relationship between the military and the civilian government, tensions in the region still abound. Thus in this committee, the OAS will discuss possibilities for mediating these tensions while encouraging positive growth. Topic two, regional autonomy in eastern Bolivia, will cover recent actions by the opposition to the Bolivian President Evo Morales and his administration to voice its concerns over several reforms President Morales has pushed and assert its power democratically in opposition to the government. While the situation has yet to escalate into a crises, it is a excellent case study for delegates to debate issues relating to democracy, including the legitimacy of elections in terms of domestic law and international law, as well as the role an international body should play in promoting democracy.
Background Guide
Recommended Resources and Documents