Approaches for Writing Directives

 Hello Delegates!


As you all begin preparing for committee, I wanted to give some tips on ways to approach the topic and spearhead ways to solve the incoming crisis that you all will be posed with. These tips will be general, so make sure to consider how they play into your character’s stance and your overarching crisis arc. As a note, these tips will be very relevant to the beginning of committee, but due to the ever-changing nature of crisis, may not be the main focus for the entirety of conference! 


  • Nature of the War: The nature of this war is unlike that of what one would typically expect. Rather than battles occurring between both sides, there are instead strategic attacks that prompt reactions. The FLN had a successful victory in the recent past, the Philippeville Massacres, though it led to violent reactions from the French. Consider how the existing nature of the war will play into the actions that you will take moving forward, both in frontroom and backroom. Are there certain elements that you can take advantage of? What aspects may leave you at a disadvantage and are there ways for you to change that?

  • The Algerian People: At this point in the war, the Algerian population is generally speaking split into 3 groups. The first is the pied noirs who support the French in this war, but are growing tired of empty promises from the government. Second are the Algerian Muslim population supporting or part of the FLN; this population is growing rapidly at the time the committee begins. Third are the rest of the Algerian Muslims who do not have ties with the FLN but do not support France; these people are the most vulnerable to French while also being the next demographic that the FLN will attempt to recruit. Keep in mind who you truly have power over in the directives that you write, as well as how these different populations will react to them. We are at a height of the war, with the sides becoming increasingly polarized. Therefore, tactics that worked in the past may not be as effective now. 

  • Government: The French have a government system that is making all the decisions during this war - meaning that they are at the forefront politicians. On the other hand, the FLN is not a political body: their only goal is freedom for Algeria. Think about the jurisdiction these two sides have when it comes to making decisions, while also considering the impact the two bodies have in their respective areas. 


These three key ideas are things you can see molding itself during the first 2 years of the war. It is important to have a strong grasp of these ideas when writing directives, as there are many moving parts to the Algerian War. By putting yourself in the shoes of your character, think about how these ideas affect your goals and how you reach them. As always in crisis, there is much fluidity and you are the ones with the power to change the course of the war! 


I look forward to see how you all approach these ideas during committee! 


Best,

Aisha Gupta

JCC Head Chair

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