THE

EMISSARY
2023
The Official Publication of North
American Model United Nations 2023
 NAMUN 2021 NAMUN 2021

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
THE EMISSARY

Awareness of mental health issues in society has been growing rapidly across MeetAwareness
our Staff of mental health issues in society has been growing rapidly 4across
the world, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health is of par- the world, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health is of par-
amount importance to us due to its impacts on social functioning and healthcare amount importance to us due to its impacts on social functioning and healthcare
A Letter From the Editor-in-Chief of the Emissary by Diana Vink 6
systems as well as its role in the economy and achieving the UN’s Sustainable De- systems as well as its role in the economy and achieving the UN’s Sustainable De-
velopment Goals for 2030. velopment Goals for 2030.
Firstly, those with mental health issues are adversely impacted in their ability ModelFirstly,
UN: Athose
Historywith mental
by Anjali Raohealth issues are adversely impacted in their8ability
to participate actively in society and often have a lower standard of living. This is in to participate actively in society and often have a lower standard of living. This is in
large part due to negative attitudes that society inflicts on these people, resulting large
The part dueAn
Equitea: toInterview
negativewithattitudes that society inflicts
Equity Representatives on these
in Model UN by people, resulting
12
in institutional discrimination that prevents individuals from accessing education in institutional discrimination that prevents individuals from accessing education
Zhehui Cici Xie

THE
and employment opportunities. Therefore, these challenges severely reduce the
likelihood of the mentally unwell to improve their standard of living, leaving them
and employment opportunities. Therefore, these challenges severely reduce the
likelihood of the
The Catching mentally
Brambles of unwell to improve
Institutional Narrativestheir
On standard
Campus byofGabri-
living, leaving16them
EMISSARY
in a cycle of mental illness and financial stress that they are unable to break out of
due to the inadequate support that exists in many nations, developed or develop-
inelle
a cycle
Adairof mental illness and financial stress that they are unable to break out of
due to the inadequate support that exists in many nations, developed or develop-
ing. Society is fragmented further when those with mental health issues from di- ing. Society
State is fragmented
Identity and the Shadowy further when
Figure those with
of Canadian mental
Liberal health issues from
Internation- 18 di-
The Official
verse minority racial and ethnic Publication
backgrounds of North
receive far less support from mental verse
alismminority
by Noshinracial and ethnic backgrounds receive far less support from mental
Talukdar
health services than others. American Modelin
To illustrate, United Nations
the USA in 2015, of all adult mental health services than others. To illustrate, in the USA in 2015, of all adult mental
health service users, 48 percent of whites received mental health services but health service
National users,
Identities 48 Face
in the percent of whites
of Climate received
Change mental
by Hannah Niehealth services22but
only 31 percent of blacks and Hispanics and 22 percent of Asians were able to only 31 percent of blacks and Hispanics and 22 percent of Asians were able to
receive the same services. receive the same
Incorporating services.
Personal Experience into Foreign Policy: The Case for 26
In addition to the stress this imposes on individuals, the rise in mental health Empathy
In addition to the stress
by Brad Wood-MacLean this imposes on individuals, the rise in mental health
issues puts a strain on healthcare systems, which will thus need to become bet- issues puts a strain on healthcare systems, which will thus need to become bet-
ter equipped to deal with higher demand and expenditures. The current model of terResilience
equipped and toImmigration:
deal with higher demand and
– an empowering expenditures.
trait The current model
or a toxic relationali- 30
of
care with stratified levels that do not communicate efficiently with each other will care
ty? with stratified
by Sreya levels that do not communicate efficiently with each other will
B. Sayeed
be unsustainable in the long term, and the service user is not often placed at the be unsustainable in the long term, and the service user is not often placed at the
forefront of the decision-making process in treatments. Therefore, to take service forefront of the decision-making process in treatments. Therefore, to take service
users’ needs into account, more primary, community and social care needs to be users’ needs into account, more primary, community and social care needs to be
implemented in mental health systems, as this would be both a viable and econom- implemented in mental health systems, as this would be both a viable and econom-
ic plan for the future. Mental health issues are clearly of significant importance ic plan for the future. Mental health issues are clearly of significant importance
across the world, as mental, neurological and substance misuse (MNS) disorders across the world, as mental, neurological and substance misuse (MNS) disorders
comprise 10.4 percent of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and depression comprise 10.4 percent of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and depression
is anticipated to become the primary cause of disability in high income countries is anticipated to become the primary cause of disability in high income countries
(HICs), the second leading cause in middle income countries (MICs) and third in (HICs), the second leading cause in middle income countries (MICs) and third in
low income countries (LICs). low income countries (LICs).

2 3
 NAMUN 2021 NAMUN 2021
Graphic Designers Photographers
Minah Cap (she/her) is a first year student doing Candace Chen (she/her) is currently in her first
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
a double major in New Media Studies and Studio year studying Life Sciences with plans to double

MEET OUR STAFF

Art. She has participated in some MUN confer- major in Human Biology and Psychology. Her hob-
ences before and had lots of fun. She is joining bies include playing basketball, reading and pho-
Awareness of mental health issues in society has been growing rapidly across NAMUNAwareness
with a completelyof mental
differenthealth issues intography.
role compared society She hashas been beengrowing
doing MUN rapidly across
as a delegate,
the world, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health is of par- the
to herworld,
previousespecially
experiencesin light
and is soof the COVID-19
excited for pandemic.
moderator, and staff Mental
for almosthealth 4 years.is of par-
the upcoming conference.
amount importance to us due to its impacts on social functioning and healthcare amount importance to us due to its impacts NestaonMuthu
social(he/him)
functioning is a 3rd and healthcare
year student study-
systems as well as its role in the economy and achieving the UN’s Sustainable De- systems as well as its role in the economy and achieving the UN’s Sustainable been
Mia Xie (she/her) is a first year Social Science ing Political Science and the Classics. He has De-
student aiming to major in International Relations
velopment Goals for 2030. velopment Goals for 2030.
and Economics. She’s been competing in Model
apart of MUN since high school. In his spare time
he enjoys watching old horror movies.
Firstly, those with mental health issues are adversely impacted in their ability UN since Firstly,
Grade those
9 and iswith mental
excited to workhealth
as staff issues are adversely impacted in their ability
to participate actively in society and often have a lower standard of living. This is in to
for participate
NAMUN. Asideactively
from MUN,inshe society and lis-
is constantly often Anjali
have Rao a lower standard
(she/her) is a third ofyear
living. Thisdou-
student, is in
Editor
large partin due Chief
to negative attitudes that Co-Directors society inflicts on these of people, resulting
tening to music, reading, or crocheting!
large part due to negative attitudes that society inflicts
ble majoring on these
in economics andpeople, resulting
peace, conflict,
in institutional
Diana Vink (she/they) discrimination
is a second-year that
stu-prevents individuals from accessing education
Communications and Design in institutional discrimination that prevents individuals from accessing education
and justice studies with a minor in English. She is
a long-time MUN participant and fan, interested
and
dent atemployment
the University ofopportunities. Therefore, these challenges severely reduce the
Toronto studying Liter- and employment opportunities. Therefore,
Journalists these
in the wayschallenges
students interact severely reduce the
with international
ature & Critical Theory, Creative Expression &
likelihood of the mentally unwell to improve
Society, and Women & Gender Studies. With
their
Victoria standard
Hong of living,
is a Philosophy leaving them
and International likelihood of the mentally unwell to improve their standard
organizations. She hasof justliving,
finishedleaving
knitting athemred
Relations student at the University of Toronto. Having Gabrielle Adair (she/her) is a creative, entre-
in a cycle
a long historyof ofmental
involvement illness andUnited
in Model financial stress that they are unable to break out of
been involved in the academics side of Model UN as
in a cycle of mental illness and financial stress
preneurial maker working in fashion, film, writ-
that they are unable to break out of
sweater.

due to Di
Nations, the inadequate
is thrilled to bring support
the Emissarythat existsMUN
to life in many nations,
club captain developed
for the entirety of herorhigh
develop-
school due to the inadequate
ing. Currently, she is studying support that exists Sreya
at the University in many nations,
B. Sayeed developed
(she/her) is a student or develop-
at UTM
this year, adding a new dimension to our under- studying Psychology, Political Science, and Wom-
ing. Society is fragmented further when those with mental health issues from di-
standing of participation in MUN and celebrat-
years, Victoria has decided to transition into the ing.
of Society
Toronto, is fragmented
majoring in Art History and further when those
minoring with&mental
en, Gender SexualityhealthStudies. issues
She lovesfrom di-
to read,
operations side of the conference when she began in Creative Expression & Society and Histo-
verse minority
ing the diversity racial
of the andtheethnic
stories writers backgrounds
bring receive far less support from mental
her undergraduate studies. She was previously in-
verse minority racial and ethnic backgrounds
ry & Philosophy of Science & Technology. The
travelreceive
and make farplans
lessaboutsupportall thefrom food shemental
never
health
forward. services thanDiothers.
In her free time, is an avidTo illustrate,volved
poet, in the USA inas2015,
in NAMUN a GraphicofDesigner
all adult andmental
Senior health
intersectionservices than
of society, others.
culture To illustrate, in the USA in 2015, of all adult mental
and creativity
cooks. While doing all these, Sreya likes to learn
artist, and advocate, drawing deeply on explo- more about and have discussions on intersection-
health service users, 48 percent of whites
rations of gender, sexuality, and family.
received
Graphic Designer.mental health
This year, she is services
honored tobut bear health service
fascinates users,
her, so she 48 looking
is always percent of whitesality
for the received
and equalitymental health
in everyday life.services but
the responsibility of leading the Communications links between her professional, academic, and
only 31 percent of blacks and Hispanicsand and 22 percent of Asians were able to
Design branch in its latest iteration. Outside of
only 31 percent of blacks and Hispanics and 22 percent of Asians were able to
creative lives. Additionally, some of her passions Noshin Talukdar (she/her) is a fourth-year stu-
receive
SeniortheCopy same services.
Editor NAMUN, she serves as the co-President of the Phi- receive the same
include sustainable services.
fashion, creative collabora- dent at UTSG whose work has been shaped by her
In addition to the stress this imposes on individuals,
losophy Course Union.the As arise
proud indisciple
mentalofhealth
Kantian tion andIncooking.
addition to the stress this imposesracialized, on individuals, the rise
Muslim identity in mental
growing health
up in a polit-
Zhehui Cici Xie (she/her) is a second year philosophy, she is the victim of constant teasing by
issues puts a strain
student currently studyingon healthcare
Literature systems,
and Critical which will thus need to become bet-
her friends and close ones for her purportedly pe-
issues
Hannah puts a strainis aonfourth
Nie (she/her) healthcare
year student systems, which
ically dividedwill thus need
Quebec. to become
She is interested bet-
in inter-
studying Molecular Genetics and Global Health rogating the complexities of liberal order-making
ter equipped
Theory, Contemporary to deal Asianwith higher
Studies, demanddantic
and Cre- and thought
expenditures.
pattern. InThe current
her free time, youmodel
can of ter equipped to deal with higher demand and
at the University of Toronto. This is her second and itsexpenditures.
contribution to global The current model of
power hierarchies.
care with stratified
ative Expression levels
and Society. that
She lovesdo not communicate
reading, find her at yourefficiently withrooms,
nearest escape eachcogitating
other will on care with for
year writing stratified levels
The Emissary. that
Aside dowrit-
from not communicate efficiently
In her spare time, she enjoys with each other
immersing herself inwill
yoga, and tea! decades-old crime cases, and reading astrophysics
be unsustainable in the long term, and the service user is not often placed at the
books she can’t understand.
be
ing, unsustainable in theweb
she also enjoys painting, long term,
design, andand the service user is not often placed at the
fiction, be it through creative writing or discovering
playing the trumpet and guitar. new shows and books to binge-watch/read.
forefront
Communications of the decision-making and processKelly in treatments. Therefore, to take service forefront of the decision-making process in treatments. Therefore, to take service
Chen (she/her) is in her fourth year studying Brad Wood-MacLean (he/him) is a third-year
users’ needs into account, more primary,International community and social care& needs toatbe users’ needs intoisaccount,
a third yearmore primary, undergraduate
community and social
at thecare needs to be
Design Relations, Economics Sociology Anjali Rao (she/her) student, student University of Toronto,
implemented in mental health systems, asUofT. thisShe
wouldhad a besplendid
both atime
viable and
at the econom-
crisis branch at implemented
double majoring inineconomics
mental healthand peace, systems,
con- as this
double would
majoring be inboth a viable
Political Science and andeconom-
History.
Emily Zhou flict, and justice studies with a minor in English.
ic plan for(she/her)
the future.is a 3rd Mental health issues
year Computer NAMUNare 2022
clearlyandof significant
decided to returnimportance
to join the C&D ic plan for the future. Mental health issues
She is a long-time MUN participant and fan,
Hearegrewclearly of significant
up in Kingston, Ontario, with importance
his two dogs.
Science student at UofT. In her free time, she branch for NAMUN2023! During her free time, Kelly He has interests in International Relations and
across the world,
enjoys drawing as mental,
in her sketchbook, neurologicallikes
watching anddancing
substance misuse
and touring around (MNS)
the citydisorders
for great across
interestedthe world,
in the as mental,
ways students interact neurological
with in- andusesubstance
the of quantitative misuse
methods (MNS)
to study disorders
political
comprise
Studio Ghibli10.4 movies, percent
and learningof Disability
fun facts Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and depression
café and food spots. She is extremely proud of Di- comprise 10.4 percent
ternational organizations. She of
hasDisability
just finished Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and
trends. He is the Co-President of a discussion club,depression
knitting a red sweater.
is anticipated to become the primary cause
about dinosaurs. She’s very excited to be a of disability
ana and all of the C&Din high
family income
for all the countries
hard work is anticipated to become the primary cause of disability
RealTalk, in high
that encourages income
members countries
to draw from
part of NAMUN this year! and effort they have put into creating this year’s their personal experience; this inspired his article
(HICs), the second leading cause in middle income
Emissary! countries
She hopes (MICs)
that you and
will enjoy thirdthe
reading in (HICs), the second leading cause in middle on income
the importancecountries
of personal (MICs) and third
experience in
in Inter-
low income countries (LICs). Emissary 2023 as much as we enjoy creating it. low income countries (LICs). national Relations.

5
4 5

A Letter From the
Editor-in-Chief of
the Emissary
Tackling the issues of identity, equity, and community in this issue of the Emissary offers us a
unique opportunity to understand those issues as they pertain to the journal itself. The Emissary
occupies an intersection between journalism, creative writing, international relations, and
conference work— a space that I am honored to work in, cultivate, and be a part of. I did Model
UN for three years in high school, as a delegate, chair, and club officer, and in coming to
university I wanted to remain engaged with it because it had a great impact on both my high
school life and my overall confidence, knowledge base, and creativity.
Having worked behind the scenes and holding conversations with friends both in high school and in
university, I know that for too many people, Model UN looks like an unapproachable space; it appears
difficult to penetrate without experience, or hard to find a place in a setting so heavily focused on
public policy, especially for those with other fields of interest or study. The Emissary is a unique space
within Model United Nations where people can simultaneously engage in the conference space while
exploring their niche interests, be a part of Model UN without engaging specifically in debate, and
change their relationship with Model UN as a whole.
Having been a delegate and staff, I have an incredibly complicated relationship with MUN,
characterized by my passion for researching niche topics and my love for meeting new people, but also
by a tension between my desire for personal growth and my need for academic validation. My
experience is not unique— this mentality is highly prevalent especially for high school students, but also
within university MUN circuits. In part, I feel it’s connected to greater systems of academic pressure and
expectation, especially in my American hometown, but it also relates to the exclusivity of Model United
Nations. It caters to a certain group, best purported as the “poli-sci bro,” and often does not consider
the accessibility that people outside the group have to this space.
As I see it, the goal of the Emissary is to offer the opportunity to participate in Model UN in a different
way. As someone who did not want to join the university debate circuit, having a way to remain involved
both in conference planning and in the execution of the conference itself is an incredibly meaningful
exercise— it gives me the chance to continue my work in an organization that shaped my high school
experience in a way that’s more pertinent to the work I like to do now. It’s worth mentioning that the
Emissary team comes from all different fields of study: life science, health studies, political science,
international relations, visual arts, and English. I know that for many, the Emissary is of little relevance—
it doesn’t pertain to the debate that goes on during the conference, it’s not something that delegates
generally have the opportunity to contribute to, and the articles can seem scattered, unrelated, or
disconnected from the topic of public policy. For me, the Emissary is a reinvention of an activity I hold
great passion and love for, and I hoped to reflect that in covering such a wide variety of topics and
themes this year.
Moving forward, the Emissary will surely take on many forms. My goal with this issue was simply to
celebrate the ideas that each person had, and challenge our perceptions of what Model UN is and how
we contribute to it. These issues, spanning from personal stories to greater political concerns, highlight
the wide interests, backgrounds, and questions of the NAMUN staff. I challenge you, as readers, to
consider how they all fit into the lens of Model UN, how they can shape our perceptions on identity, and
how Model UN can become a more inclusive and welcoming space for all. Most of all, though, I hope
this year’s Emissary asks you to reexamine your relationship with Model UN, reexamine the ways that
one can contribute to it, and reexamine the ways that it can affect you.
Thank you for reading.
Diana Vink
Editor-In-Chief
The Emissary
NAMUN 2023
7

MODEL UN:
A HISTORY
BY ANJALI RAO
International relations as simulated by university
students during Model United Nations
conferences like NAMUN is an entertaining
process that sometimes feels more like a role-
playing game than an academic exercise. Over
the course of the conference, students reenact
historical meetings in crisis committees, steer
international law in specialized agencies, and
advocate for change in the general assembly—
taking on the responsibilities and thought
processes of some of the world’s most powerful
states and actors. In fact, this exposure of young
people to the world of high pressure decisions in
a collegiate environment is an institution itself—
one that predates the United Nations as a body
itself. This article looks at the story of the modern
Model United Nations and attempts to answer the
question: Why do so many students take time out
of their demanding academic schedules to
participate in a light-hearted yet taxing event?
To get to the heart of this question, we must
retrace our steps back to the League of Nations.
After the First World War, the Western democratic
world sought to create a system of concrete
diplomacy, a forum where disputes could be
settled immediately through legislation and
cooperation rather than violence. The Treaty of
Versailles as signed in 1919 included the Covenant
of the League of Nations, thus binding all the
signatories (32 states, led by France, The
¹ “The Covenant of the League of Nations,” UN GENEVA, accessed December 2022, https://www.ungeneva.org/en/library-
archives/league-of-nations/covenant.
² “Mir Mahmood Speaks on the League of Nations: News: The Harvard Crimson,” News | The Harvard Crimson, accessed December 26,
2022, https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1922/10/5/mir-mahmood-speaks-on-the-league/.
³ “Hold First Meeting of International Assembly Tonight: News: The Harvard Crimson,” News | The Harvard Crimson, accessed December 26,
2022, https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1923/1/10/hold-first-meeting-of-international-assembly/.
⁴ “The History of the First Mun,” WiseMee, October 6, 2020, https://www.wisemee.com/history-of-the-first-mun/.
OxfordMUN conference webpage itself.⁵ This (WILPF)—an anti-nuclear peace organization that is
article references several pieces of active today.⁸ While his reporting does not quite
contemporaneous reporting, stating that the first paint a complete picture of the Model League of
Model UN style conference was an OIA Nations on Canadian campuses, it is clear from his
conducted on the 13th of November 1921 and that account that the appetite from young people to be
Harvard popularized model conferences in the involved in international affairs and peace
United States. These assertions are thoroughly movements was great. When thinking about a
squashed in historical research conducted by university campus during the context of these
William Yotive, the former Model UN meetings, it is clear to see where their passion must
representative at the United Nations. Firstly, from have come from—the reality of war affecting their
United States, Great Britain, Italy, and Japan as
the official records of the OIA, Yotive found that contemporaries on the front lines, affecting their
the Principal Allied Powers) to its stated goal.
their first meeting was actually held on the 16th families politically and economically, and affecting
The preamble of the Covenant declares that “In
of November of the same year. This is a trivial their countries on the global stage. From what I
order to promote international cooperation and
enough distinction, but serves as an indication of could uncover from a mix of reporting on League
to achieve international peace and security,”
the lack of accuracy of Wisemee’s article. In a simulations and historical sources, these
countries would “not resort to war, by the
more substantial vein, Yotive found that the conferences were largely run by and for students
prescription of open, just and honourable
popularizing force behind model assemblies in with the support of their administrations.
relations between nations,” accept
North America could more solidly be attributed to
“international law as the actual rule of conduct
the League of Nations Association, which held an The League of Nations no longer exists. Its goal to
among Governments,” and obey all treaty
event in 1927 at Syracuse University, where promote international peace was undermined by a
obligations as agreed.¹ In this spirit, the body of
students participate in Model UN to this day.⁶ plethora of factors, including the rise of fascism in
the League of Nations created an assembly and
While it is understood that the birth of Europe and the extremely notable missing parties
rules of decorum under which diplomacy would
intergovernmental institutions must have at assembly meeting—namely the United States,
be conducted.
coincided with the university level equivalent of which had been instrumental in the founding of the
those same institutions, the tradition of active organization. Altogether, the League lacked power,
While it is not known exactly which institution
campus politics, debate, and free thought means requiring unanimity to pass decisions and buy-in
began the tradition of simulated assemblies,
that these parallels occurred simultaneously from its member nations. Instead, World War Two
from primary sources, we can be sure that
around the world, creating an unclear history for broke out as a result of the League’s failure to
universities began to host school-wide and
the institution of Model UN. wield its power—as the limited sanctions against
interuniversity conferences as early as 1921. From
the Crimson campus newspaper, we have record Italian
As a student at the University of Toronto, I
of the Oxford International Assembly (OIA) as
searched our institution’s library system for early
well as the Harvard International Assembly as
sources on the Model League of Nations in
two student meetings wherein questions such as
Canada. In his book A Slice of Canada, author
the efficacy of the Permanent Court of
Watson Kirkconnell detailed his involvement with
International Justice² and the ethics of the
OIA. Having lived between the years 1895 and
international opium trade³ were raised.
1977, he attended Oxford for his Bachelor’s of
Interestingly, the exact origin of the practice is
Literature in his late twenties.⁷ He writes that on
obscure to the point where several reputed
campus “enthusiasm for the League of Nations
Model United Nations conferences are actively
ran high,” contributing to his involvement with the
puzzling out this history. Many tertiary sources
Manitoba League of Nations Society and
cite an article entitled “The History of the First
chairing of a peace conference for the Women’s
MUN” published by Wisemee⁴, including the
International League for Peace and Freedom
⁵ Oxford Global Committee, “A Brief History of Model United Nations,” Oxford Global (Oxford Global, October 6, 2020),
https://www.oxfordglobal.org/blog/2020/10/6/a-brief-history-of-model-united-nations.
⁶ William Yotive, “Why 13 November Should Not Be Celebrated as the 100th Anniversary of Mun,” WFUNA, October 21, 2021,
https://wfuna.org/wimun/why-13-november-should-not-be-celebrated-100th-anniversary-mun.
⁷ “Thomas Watson Kirkconnell,” The Canadian Encyclopedia, accessed December 26, 2022,
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/watson-kirkconnell.
⁸ Kirkconnell, Watson. “In the Cause of Peace.” In A Slice of Canada, 110: University of Toronto Press, 1967.
https://doi.org/10.3138/j.ctt1gxxqxz.13.
9
aggression in northern Africa were the “first and
last attempt to enforce the Covenant against a
major power.”⁹ This massive violence occurring
within a generation of the previous largest conflict
was understandably a huge blow to the diplomatic
foundations on which the league was founded.
Today, our most powerful international organization
by virtue of its member states and the precedence
of its rulings is the League’s successor, the United
Nations, including the General Assembly, Security
Council and a number of other committees that
convene to discuss and resolve the state of the
world. The global community in the UN is dealing
with climate catastrophe, war, famine, and
inequality. While the efficacy of the UN as a body is
continually debated, it is still the primary forum for
recognized governments to be heard by one
another in a diplomatic context. As such, the
simulations that began during the time of the
League of Nations have grown to reflect the
realities of the UN.
After 1945, returning students were compelled by
the issues of the time in the same way their
predecessors had dealt with the aftermath of the
Great War. While diplomatic conflict resolution had
not come to pass at the beginning of the 20th
century, the extent of the tragedy of the Holocaust
and the development of the nuclear bomb
alongside the other casualties provoked a larger
movement for peace than before. The first Model
UN sessions held reflected these sentiments. In
1947, at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, a
conference passed recommendations that
resonate today as reasonable:
⁹ Alexander Orakhelashvili.. Akehurst's Modern Introduction to International Law. Florence: Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
Accessed December 26, 2022. ProQuest Ebook Central.
¹⁰ Special to the New York Times. “Model U.N Sessions Held at Swarthmore.” New York Times, April 6, 1947.
¹² Conna Walsh, “10 Ways to Make Model UN More Equitable,” Best Delegate Model United Nations, August 3, 2020,
https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/04/06/96582746.html?pageNumber=54
10
1. That member nations establish an international
control and development of atomic energy with
provision for free inspection of all atomic
plants and the destruction of atomic weapons
when the control system is effective.
2. That members conclude a treaty of
disarmament. graduating classes of premier universities around
the world.¹¹ As Model UN is a primarily collegiate
3. That the U. N. adopt a uniform system for
citizenship of refugees. and high school activity, access to those levels of
educational attainment is necessary for
4. That the U. N. amend Article 39 of the Charter
participation. Therefore, when there are systemic Model UN carefully mimics the rules of procedure,
so as to include a detailed definition of
barriers preventing marginalized people from practices, and ideals of the parent organization in
aggression.
participating in academic institutions, ancillary an effort to get students involved in the nitty gritty
5. That the U.N promote the reconstruction of
opportunities such as simulated international of diplomacy. Up to the minute resolutions,
devastated areas by economic assistance
conferences are dominated by the privileged. alliances, and memoranda are created and shared
through the U.N.¹⁰
Today, the face of Model UN is incredibly diverse, within the confines of the conference room. While
reflecting the vibrant community that chooses to the motions passed in a Model General Assembly
Students puzzled out these solutions over the
pursue international relations during their do not actually bear the weight to force the
course of a three day conference, a procedure that
education. As these conferences are fundamentally governments represented to align themselves with
closely reflects our modern day practice of Model
discussions where ideas should be entertained and a resolution, the participants dedicate themselves
UN. These resolutions have a startlingly prescient
actioned, it is important that all players feel to faithfully reflecting the interests of their country
quality, and a central thread of peace above all
represented and able to participate—in short, while as they have researched in the collective effort to
else. Our current global community is still grappling
Model UN has been exclusionary in the past, it is make an imaginary change. As young people
with disarmament as conflict and tragedy affect
our duty to make every future MUN experience assessing the state of the world, we who take part
our most vulnerable. Returning to the question of
equitable and inclusive. From a modern in Model UN are showing the world’s powers how to
why students participate in simulations and NAMUN
perspective, this means subsidizing the involvement behave with diplomacy and respect with the
in specific, this excerpt from 75 years ago reveals
of those who cannot afford it on top of their common goal of improving our everyday lives. While
the constructive conversations that can emerge
education, maintaining fair representation from all it seems strange from the outside that so many
during these conferences in response to the real
socioeconomic backgrounds, and accommodating students across high schools and universities would
threats that we face.
all possible religious, physical, and psychological take time to participate in essentially a game, it is
needs.¹ revealing to look back at the context from which
The makeup of the university simulation circuit has Model UN emerged—the pain, anxiety, and
significantly changed, too. In the 1920s, around the optimism of young people after two significant
time of the first simulation, women had just begun wars—and compare that reality with the one we
to make their way into the face today. The circumstances have changed but
students remain convinced that showing up, doing
the research, and following procedure can lead to
positive developments in the world around us.
¹¹ “Oxford People,” University of Oxford, accessed December 26, 2022, https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/oxford-people.
https://bestdelegate.com/10-ways-to-make-model-un-more-equitable/.
11
 1.What is equity for you? In the context of NAMUN and MUN, what is equity for you?
Jonathan (JK): Equity, for me, is the process of dialogue and transparency that makes sure

The
everyone in a team setting feels respected and included. In the context of NAMUN, this is

EQUITEA
especially important because delegates are not only representing diverse viewpoints and
debating them amongst each other, but they are also coming from diverse personal
backgrounds, themselves. This makes equity important on two fronts: both for ensuring that the
conduct that takes place during our conference is as enjoyable and enriching as possible for all
delegates and staff, and for ensuring that the respect people deserve as participants also
includes respect for each individual's identity.
Aidan (AT): Equity’s all about lowering the barriers to access and participation in Model UN.
Needless to say, that’s not exactly a popular take in today’s MUN community. Surely anyone who
doesn’t feel as though they fit in at MUN just isn’t cut out for their committee, or maybe even the
Zhehui Cici Xie activity as a whole, right? It’s pretty common to hear staff, secretariat, and delegates alike
question the need for Equity roles — but those calls, oddly enough, rarely come from the people
most at risk, the people who often end up leaving MUN altogether to little concern or
consternation. It’s no accident that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ MUN-ers are few and far between —
from exorbitant registration costs to Eurocentric committee topics, an unnecessarily ‘academic’
atmosphere to outright hostile staff structures within some organizations; the MUN community
was built to serve the people who created it: affluent, high-achieving high school and university
students looking to add something flashy to their resumes. Time and time again, I’ve watched
“consensus builders” shut down diverse viewpoints or target people in directive Q&As;
“conference organizers” fail to address serious allegations of toxic workplace environments;
“team players” shunt work down onto lower levels of staff who inevitably quit the conference just
to escape that load; and people who purport to be “adept at interpersonal skills” fail to
communicate basic deadlines to the people they work with. I’ve seen delegates afraid to be
themselves in their committees. Staff talk down to delegates. Secretariat crack jokes about
staff. It’s exclusionary, dangerous, and wholly unacceptable, and it’s what I want to work to fix as
a part of the UofT MUN equity team.

The Equitea: An interview with Jonathan Ku, Director of Equity at
NAMUN 2023, and Aidan Thompson, Director-General of Equity Affairs
at SSICsim 2022 and Director of Equity at UTMUN 2023.
Interviewed by Zhehui Cici Xie.
2.In your opinion, is the current NAMUN and the Model United Nations organizational
culture posing more barriers to a more equitable environment or does it foster equity,
diversity, and inclusion more?
JK: I think there will always be challenges in making an event like NAMUN equitable, because of
the involvement of oftentimes controversial topics that delegates may feel passionately about,
and the competitive nature of the conference setting that can encourage confrontation. But, on
the other hand, NAMUN also tries to emphasize inclusive participation and cooperation rather
than pure competition, and we have also been trying over the years to prioritize equity and
inclusion more. In that context, I think our organizational culture is becoming better able to
overcome the barriers to equity and better able to centre equity in our planning, compared to
before.
AT: This question’s a little bit tricky, because UofT’s MUN scene is at a bit of a crossroads right
now. We’re now finally at a place where each of the three MUN conferences have their own
dedicated Equity roles, which is a small step in the right direction. Dedicated roles theoretically
ensure that there’s someone who has to keep an eye on Equity, because there’s nothing else they
could possibly be distracted by. Unfortunately there’s a bit of a dark side to that equation,

12 13
because it’s too often used as a way to shift blame when something goes wrong. This means that,
for example, committee topics could be approved even if the Equity Director explicitly opposes
the creation of those committees, while still taking the fall for any consequences that come with
them. Given the tendency for this type of organizational misuse, it’s more important to focus on
who actually has the final say on any given matter than the people supposedly charged with
guiding them. This is where our problems become a lot clearer. Between the three UofT MUNs, only
one conference has created an Equity role with any semblance of decision-making capabilities. ⅔
have a recent history of railroading committee topics without Equity involvement. All rely on
systems of financial aid (which have a proven track record of being wholly inadequate) rather
than reduced registration prices. And all suffered massive staff losses this year, in large part
because of the “toxic” climate described by many who refused to come back. I want to be hopeful
for the future of MUN at UofT, and there are some bright spots (including, notably, SSICsim’s
recent restructuring in large part guided by feedback from an unsuccessful 2022 cycle, and a
more vigilant stance taken by this year’s UTMUN Secretariat). But right now, the prevailing attitude
is that nothing needs to be changed. So long as that stands, it doesn’t matter how much we push
for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, or any other positive shifts in organizational approach — they’ll
always fall on self-deafened ears.
3.If you could restart your university life again, assuming you joined NAMUN again and are
on your respective way to your current positions, what is one equity-related thing in
NAMUN that you would do differently?
JK: The main thing I'd do differently is just to make equity more of a centre-stage concern, and not
an afterthought. From the training among staff to the way we plan our interactions with
delegates, equity can sometimes seem like just another hurdle or checkbox in the long list of things
to do to prepare for the conference. When I was a deputy Chief of Staff last year, there were
times in our training process where we trained our staff on equity and inclusion with this sort of
mindset, and I think, looking back on it now, that it would have been better to give it more
attention.
AT: I wish I’d had the guts to speak out when I should have. A lot of these problems snuck up on us,
but some of them were apparent from the start. If I had to pick one thing from a staffing
perspective, though, it would have been to put more time and effort into trying to show people
why equity matters so much. It’s the worst-kept secret in MUN that few people give equity the time
of day, especially in training sessions where scenario questions are often met with blank faces or
muted mics/videos. I doubt that the efforts of any Equity Director(s) would change that lack of
engagement when it’s so thoroughly reinforced by the structure and leadership surrounding them,
but by connecting the actions that we take in our path towards a more equitable conference, I
think we could begin to have those conversations. Having those conversations might have at least
signaled to some of the people jumping ship that there are actually efforts—however small—
underway to try and fix things for future years.
4.Considering the last question, what is something you would like to add to the current
organizational culture/institution system?
JK: The addition of the Director of Equity position is a really good change between this and the
previous year, so I hope to see that continue in the future. Just as the Academic branch has a
variety of paired staff, including Deputy positions to help handle important tasks like training
chairs, I think we could one day have a Deputy Director of Equity. Currently, my position also
14
involves a lot of cooperation with the Chief of Staff branch, so there has been some very helpful
continuity since I worked with our previous Chief of Staff and know some of the main tasks. I
would encourage more integration between these two positions as well, since it really helps to
make sure that all our chairs and moderators, who are the 'frontline' of staff-delegate interactions,
understand NAMUN's approach to equity.
AT: I have a lot more things I’d like to remove than things to add, but for starters, there absolutely
should be an anonymous equity form at NAMUN. This extremely basic measure is something that’s
been standard across UTMUN and SSICsim for two years now, and would provide NAMUN
participants with the opportunity to share their concerns and ask for improvements without the
threat of reprisals (which absolutely happen).
5.How has each of you made sure to put equity considerations in the decisions you make in
NAMUN/MUN-related affairs, considering sometimes due to circumstances prioritization
needs to happen?
JK: My approach to this issue has been to emphasize that equity is more about setting a tone and
making sure that everyone has an enjoyable experience. Rather than focus on the 'reacting' side
of equity, where we teach staff how to appropriately respond to incidents that might occur, I have
been giving more attention to the idea that equity considerations are something that should be
ongoing and involving everyone. While the 'reacting' piece is still important, I think it's a much more
effective strategy to create an inclusive and positive MUN environment than to enforce rules after
they have been broken. So while we do have to 'prioritize' in our decisionmaking, the very fact that
the Director of Equity role now exists is proof that it doesn't have to conflict with our other
priorities as an organization.
AT: I think this question plays a bit into a common misconception that equity is the enemy of
quality content. We talk about “prioritization” as if we need to choose between building enjoyable
committees and equitable content, or fun and inclusivity. The more people we’re able to bring
together through MUN, the greater the range of delegates and staff members we’re able to
include, the better our committee topics will be; and that starts with creating a more welcoming
and equitable working environment.
6.In your time here, what is one fun anecdote that made you rethink what equity is?
JK: Ironically, I think the idea that equity can be 'fun' is what I had to rethink as I've been in this
role. I think there tends to be an assumption that teaching people about equity involves a lot of
'policing' and that it can be a bit boring or stifling. When I started in this position, I worried that it
would turn into that kind of role where I was simply monitoring and putting out fires, so to speak.
But, on the contrary, I think having these conversations and talking with our chairs and moderators
has been a really enjoyable way for me to reconsider that assumption and to see that it doesn't
have to be that way— actually, equity in a MUN context can be as fun as it is important (hopefully
the chairs and mods would agree!).
AT: When Co-Directing the Ireland 2024 committee at UTMUN last year, my Co-Director and I
were looking for a final battle to present the delegates with as we wrapped up the last day of
committee. In doing so, we naturally chose the epitome of Britishness as our villain: Peppa Pig.
That was, until my predecessor dropped into our backroom, and pointed out that the Peppa Pig
fandom has made Peppa a war criminal. So, we swapped to the Teletubbies instead. Really made
me realize that even children’s cartoons can have some pretty inequitable connotations, and
highlighted why it’s so important to talk to Equity!
15
 NAMUN 2021 NAMUN 2021
The Catching
who downplayed their members’ formal train- skills in academic institutions. It is important to
ing in order to push a narrative of unpretentious understand that Fafard cared deeply about the

Brambles of INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

Canadian artists who engaged with the land. placement of his sculptures, specifically these la-
The result was a group championed for creat- ser-cut ones, as these works were designed to be
ing work that is supposedly representative of both looked at, and looked through. As a result,
Institutional
Awareness of mental health issues in society has been growing rapidly across Canada and its landscape, and for producing
artists Awareness of mental health issues in society
who are representative of Canadians2.
they are perfect for the outdoors as they create a
has been growing rapidly across
unity with the landscape appearing both etched
the world, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health is of par- the world, especially
follows in
thislight of the COVID-19 ontopandemic. Mental health . Theisdeliberate
of par-
Narratives on
amount importance to us due to its impacts on social functioning and healthcare amount
Joe Fafard
nadian art importance
as well. Much like to us
tradition
howdue
of Ca-
to its of
the Group impactsnature
view and substantial
on social functioning
of the placement
in space
of thisand
6

piece healthcare
on the edge

Campus
systems as well as its role in the economy and achieving the UN’s Sustainable De- Seven’s work became representative of a cer-
systems of campus, acting as a visual gate into this insti-
as well as its role in the economy and achieving the UN’s Sustainable De-
tain landscape, many see Farfard’s work as being tution should therefore be carefully considered.
velopment Goals for 2030. velopment
representative Goals for 2030.
of the prairies. In an NFB film on On a surface level, placing a piece by an
BY
GABRIELLE
Firstly, those ADAIR
with mental health issues are adversely impacted in their ability Fafard Firstly,
from 1974,those with mental
it was stated health
that Fafard’s workissuesapproachable
are adversely impacted
artist in their ability
who is representative of an
presents the vital story of the farmer and con- unpretentious Canadian artistic tradition might
to participate actively in society and often have a lower standard of living. This is in to participate actively in society and often have
tributed to the mass narrative of Saskatchewan3.
a lower standard of living. This is in
breed comfort with university members, and those
large part due to negative attitudes that society inflicts on these people, resulting large part due
Additionally, Fafardtohas negative attitudesinthat
been mythologized a society
passing inflicts on these
by campus. people,
On the other hand,resulting
this sculp-
in institutional discrimination that prevents individuals from accessing education in institutional discrimination that prevents individuals from accessing education
similar way to the Group of Seven; his educa- ture might clash with its background for the very
tion was often downplayed and substituted with
and employment opportunities. Therefore, these challenges severely reduce the and employment opportunities. Therefore, same
a narrative of him as a poor farm boy who es-
these reasons. The University of Toronto is a large
challenges severely reduce the
academic institution boasting a long, impressive
likelihood of the mentally unwell to improve their standard of living, leaving them likelihood
caped rural life,of the and mentally
returned homeunwell to improvehistory
a national theirthatstandard
is emulatedof by living,
the art leaving them
and architecture
in a cycle of mental illness and financial stress that they are unable to break out of in
art ahero
cycle
4
. Hisofskills
mental were illness
developed andthrough
financial
his stress
on that
campus.they are unable
A piece to break
that represents out of
a contrived
immense artistic training in his BA and MFA, as narrative tradition of rural life, unpretentious ide-
due to the inadequate support that exists in many nations, developed or develop- due to the inadequate support that exists in many nations, developed or develop-
well as his teaching position that he held until als, and a rejection of academia is jarring against
ing. Society is fragmented further when those with mental health issues from di- ing.
1974 atSociety is fragmented
the University of Regina. further when those
The laser-cut with mental academic
the quintessentially health issues motif offrom di-
the Hart
verse minority racial and ethnic backgrounds receive far less support from mental verse minority
sculptures, racial and ethnic
like Nature/Nurture, backgrounds
highlight the receive
House farAn
building. less support
extreme opinion from mightmental
be that
training that he received through his artistic ed-
healthNurture/Nature
services than is aothers.
commissionedTo illustrate,
sculp- inicthe USA insuch
institution 2015,
as the ofUniversity
all adultofmental
Toronto. health services than others. To illustrate, in this
ucation, but Fafard’s purported story does not.
theplacement
USA in almost
2015,feels of as
allthough
adult the legacy
mental
of academia is being masked or sugar coated, in
health
ture service artist
by Canadian users,Joe48 percent
Fafard made inof1993.
whites received mental
Canadian art health
history hasservices
typicallybut
been healthTheservice
Group of users,
Seven 48and percent
Joe Fafardof whites received
both some odd form mental health services
of propaganda but
similar to Fafards
Fafard was from Saskatchewan, and became framed in terms of painting, specifically, land-
only
known in 31thepercent
late 20thofcentury
blacks forand Hispanics and
his sculptures scapes22 produced
percent by ofEuropean
Asians were ableThese
colonists. to only
produced 31workpercentthat has of remained
blacks and Hispanics
popular with and
own22 percent background
educational of Asians were able to
being obscured.
many people across Canada due to their ap- After receiving his education and going
receive the
depicting farm same
animals.services.
This sculpture is located landscapes depict the nature and wildlife of Can- receive the same services.
proachable nature, and familiarity in form and on to teach at the University of Regina, Fafard
theInUniversity
on addition of to the stress
Toronto’s downtownthis imposes
cam- on
adaindividuals,
and have beenthe rise
used in mental
to prop health
up an exclusion- subjectInmatter
addition
5 to thethese
. However, stress this
works areimposes
the on
leftindividuals,
his position tothemove riseto in mental
a rural health
community in
pus beside Hart House, at the edge of the road ary and false narrative of Canadian identity by
issues
and backingputsonto
a strain
the topon of ahealthcare systems,representing
staircase. It faces which willthe thus need
country toabecome
from bet-
purely colonial- issues
productsputsof some a strain on approachable
of the least healthcare systems,
cor- which will thus
Saskatchewan calledneedPense.to becomethebet-
Throughout rest
ners of Canada due to the cultivation of Fafards of his career he was quite open about his distaste
ter viewer
the equipped towalk
as they deal with higher
towards it from thedemand
road and expenditures.
ist perspective. 1
The
Fafard’s current
sculpture model
could be seenof ter equipped to deal with higher demand and expenditures. The current model of
for academia but his simultaneous love for learn-
care with stratified levels that do not communicate efficiently with each other will
coming onto campus. Or, if the viewer is com- as following in this tradition of framing Canada care
2 with
Jessica Mace.stratified levels that
FAH 248: Canadian do1665-
Painting not communicate
ing7. As heefficiently
passed away with each
in 2019, weother
cannotwillask
ing up the stairs, it looms directly above. Viewed through nature, and therefore placing itself into 1960 (course, University of Toronto, Toronto ON,
be unsustainable in the long term,
from the front, it feels as though one could walk and the service
the puzzleuser
of thisiscolonialist
not often placedByathaving
narrative. the be unsustainable in the long term, and the service user is not often placed at the
2022). him about the particulars of this sculpture or its
forefront
right into it of thebase
as the decision-making
is elevated slightly,process
tilt- inantreatments.
art piece which Therefore,
adheres toto take service
colonialist narra- forefront
3 of the and
Michael McKennirey decision-making process in placement.
John N. Smith. I Don’t treatments. We can maybe settle to assume that
Therefore, to take service
Have to Work That Big, Montreal: National Film Board this gate, placed at an entry point to such an icon-
users’
ing needs into
up towards account,
the deer standingmore at itsprimary,
heart. community
tives of Canadianand social care needs
art so prominently on atopath
be users’
of Canada, needs into account, more primary, community
1974. https://www.nfb.ca/film/i_dont_ and us
ic campus, invites social care needs
to continuously ponderto bethe
This sculpture would mainly be seen close- leading in and out of campus, it raises ideas about
implemented
ly by students andinother
mental health
members of systems,
the univer- as this would institutions
academic be both aand viable the and
roleseconom-
that they implemented
have_to_work_that_big/ in mental health systems, as this
4 Gustafson, Paula. “Joe Fafard: The Bronze Years,”
would
roles be both
of academic a viableand
institutions and econom-
draw our own
conclusions beyond those delivered in courses.
ic plan
sity who for
are the future.
walking aroundMental
campus.healthHowever, issueshave
are played
clearlyin ofthesignificant importance
colonialist history of Canada. ic plan(Montréal),
Espace for theno. future. Mental
38 (1996): health issues are clearly of significant importance
32–34. https://
across the world, as mental, neurological and substance misuse (MNS) disorders
it is right on the boundary of the university and Academic institutions have played a sig- across the world, as mental, neurological and
www.erudit.org/en/journals/espace/1996-n38-es-
pace1049355/9803ac.pdf
substance
6 Terrence Heath and misuse (MNS)
Joe Fafard. disorders
Joe Fafard. Van-
a public road, which means the general public nificant role in the history of art in Canada, yet couver: Douglas & McIntyre, 2007.
comprise 10.4 and
can easily access percent of it.
interpret Disability
Fafard’s useAdjusted theirLife
roleYears
has often (DALYs)
been and depression
downplayed and ig- comprise 10.4 percent
5 “Obituary: Sculptor Joe Fafard,”ofAs Disability
It Hap- Adjusted Life Enright.
7 Robert Years Figures
(DALYs) andand
of Mettle depression
Feats of
is anticipated
of to become
perspective builds the primary
on the sculpture’s positioncausenored of disability
to constructin high income
a careful countries
narrative about is anticipated to become the primary causeClay:
pens, Toronto: Canadian Broadcasting Cor-
poration, 2019. https://www.proquest.com/
of disability
Joe Fafard inin high income
Conversation. Bordercountries
Cross-
ings, Winter, 1997. https://www.proquest.com/
(HICs),
on the ofsecond
the edge campus,leading
creating cause in middlethe
an impressive income
image of countries
artists and(MICs) and third
art in Canada. in
This tra- (HICs), the second leading cause in middle docview/215559151?accountid=14771&parentSes-
docview/2727708337?parentSessionId=d373dGt- income countries (MICs) and third in
structure that welcomes the visitor, while also dition is most apparent in the Group of Seven,
low income
appearing as acountries
gate— bearing (LICs). powerful sym- 1 Jessica Mace. FAH 248: Canadian Painting 1665-
low income countries (LICs).
nfS7XX63oDAR7Mu7zGm9T4ySAj1h7DLgIO-
aA%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=14771
sionId=5nxBVLLGMiDxIgpbTklKZ%2BjTTI7gDJs5B-
0D%2Bkr99PvA%3D&pq-origsite=primo
bolism when placed directly beside an academ- 1960 (course, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, 2022).
16 1717
 STATE IDENTITY
O
F
BY NOSHIN TALUKDAR
international order”² and sustaining a “grave
and ongoing breach of international peace
and security,”³ respectively. Most recently,
Ottawa echoed demands for “transparency
and robust measures” in protecting migrant
labour conditions in the building of World
Cup infrastructure, while advocacy
organizations – ranging from LGBTQ2+
groups to Amnesty International Canada –
have called for stronger enforcement of
accountability against the Arab nation.⁴
In an op-ed published by the Vancouver Sun,
it is contended that “a Canadian boycott [of
the 2022 World Cup in Qatar] would send a
signal that FIFA must change.”⁵ Indeed, a
decision on the part of Canada to ally itself
with progress and structural change (and
stand against evildoers) would appear logical
– desirable, even – within the context of its
reputed democratic system and commitment
to global cooperation, peacekeeping, and
development. And yet, the question of where
Canadian state geopolitical identity stands
without the construction of foreign threats to
international order is seldom posed. Couched
behind its language of benevolent liberal
internationalism is a prolonged history of
defining and fortifying its geopolitical identity
as a nation-state through imperial policing
and Othering of the Global South.
¹ John Paul Tasker. “Trudeau Announces Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Olympics.” CBC News, December 08, 2021.
² Government of Canada, Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia.
³ Global Affairs Canada, Backgrounder: Additional Sanctions Against Iran.
⁴ Aaron D’Andrea. “FIFA World Cup: Ottawa ‘Very Concerned’ Over Qatar Worker Issues, Joins Rights Calls.” Global News, November 04, 2022.
⁵ Daphne Bramham. “Daphne Bramham: A Canadian Boycott Would Send a Signal That FIFA Must Change.” Vancouver Sun, November 14, 2022.
AND THE
CANADIAN LIBERAL
INTERNATIONALISM
2022, amid all its uncertainty,
has proven a paramount year for
cross-border solidarities. Whether it be
through diplomatic boycotts in the realm of
sports, the sympathy extended to
proliferating women’s rights movements, or
the condemnation of aggressive military
activities, protest has perhaps not been so
visibly far-reaching and explosive since the
anti-racism movement of 2020. And yet for
the average modern state, these incidents of
popular dissent present critical opportunities
beyond the scope of simply furthering peace.
In the race to denounce such governments
which contravene international norms, this
has meant that other key players in the global
playing field have seen vast expansions in
their capacity to position themselves as
opposites.
Owing to its history of championing human
rights, many eyes have been on Canada’s
responses to these foreign developments.
Amid the storm of allegations raised against
China regarding its crackdown on
democratic rights and abuse of minorities,
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in
December 2021 that Canada would not be
sending delegates to the 2022 Winter
Olympic Games in Beijing.¹ Months later,
Canada imposed a slew of sanctions against
the Russian and Iranian states, which it
accused of “[blatantly violating]…
international law and the rules-based
⁶ John S Ewart. “The Statute of Westminster, 1931, as a Climax in its Relation to Canada.” Canadian Bar Review 10, no. 2 (February 1932): 111-122.
⁷ Howard Leeson. “Canadian Foreign Policy and the Events of September 11: A Dramatic Turn.” (2002).
⁸ Hassan Husseini. "A “Middle Power” in Action: Canada and the Partition of Palestine." Arab Studies Quarterly 30, no. 3 (2008): 41-55.
⁹ Ibid, p. 44
¹⁰ Ibid, p. 48
¹¹ Robert A. Spencer. Canada in World Affairs: From UN to NATO, 1946-1949. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1959.
A post-war international system was the issue of
QUESTIONABLE
HISTORY
Canada’s pursuit of international human
rights projects did not fully begin until 1931,
when the Statute of Westminster granted it
near complete sovereignty from Britain and
ergo the ability to exercise independent
jurisdiction over its foreign policy.⁶ The
advent of WWII proved a tricky terrain to
navigate as Canada occupied a somewhat
unclear Middle Power status between
Britain and the then-isolationist United
States. The post-war context hence
underscored the urgency of asserting its
place in the newly realigned global
political system, resulting in
“functionalism statement” of Mackenzie
King during which he concretized (among
other principles) the rule of law and
international responsibility in Canadian
foreign policy. From there developed an
ever-increasing intimacy with the US
agenda, bolstered eventually by the
declining importance of Britain as a
superpower and the realization that only
the Americans presented a real
counterweight to the USSR (and still today,
to Russia).⁷ It was imperative, in this sense,
to directly affiliate Canadian policy and
strategies with the US, albeit while still
establishing a distinct international identity
compatible with the aforementioned
principles.
Cementing Canada’s newly acquired identity in the
Palestine. In 1947, the United Nations established a
Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP)
comprising Canada and ten other “neutral” UN
member-states.⁸ When a partition of the state was
brought forward as a recommendation, it was
rejected by the Arab Higher Committee but accepted
by the Jewish Agency for Palestine under the
condition that “it would make possible the immediate
re-establishment of the Jewish state.”⁹ Despite the
difference in opinion, Resolution 181 calling for the
partition of British-ruled Palestine was adopted, and
the Jewish Agency announced the establishment of
Israel the day the British mandate over Palestine
expired. Central to this decision was Canada, whose
diplomats claimed to vote for partition as a last
resort and seemingly advocated for a federation
similar to its own domestic model of self-government.
Yet throughout various stages of the process,
Canadian officials played a critical role in mediating
disputes and discreetly lobbying for partition. In
between intimate meetings with representatives of
Zionist organizations, and to erode the threat of
rising Soviet influence, the Palestinian question was
diplomatically ‘resolved’ in a Canadian fashion by
invisibilizing the demands and sovereignty of
the
Palestinian Arabs themselves. Indeed, following the
failure of partition – rather than re-suggesting bi-
national federalism – then undersecretary of state for
external affairs Lester B. Pearson (who viewed Israel
as “an outpost…of the West in the Middle East¹⁰)
contended that an Arab acceptance “that Israel had
come to stay”¹¹ was the sole answer.
From 1950 to 1953, Korean ground served as the
platform for Canada to demonstrate the extent of its
hard power. As the death toll continued to rise across
the Soviet and Chinese-backed Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the western-backed
Republic of Korea (ROK), Canadian Prime Minister
Louis St. Laurent warned of third world war-like
consequences to a failure to curtail communist
belligerence, emphasizing that it was “[Canada’s] full
19
 duty" to war by discouraging aggression.”¹² In
this process of identity-making as a duty-
bound nation, what remained undiscussed
was how the former Japanese colonial
exploitation that had created the conditions
for a destabilized Korea had often been met
with Canadian support, or how Canada had
allied itself with the United Nations – and by
extension, the CIA – in forming a commission
to instill then-president Syngman Rhee in the
South, hence greenlighting the horrifying
atrocities that followed.¹³ Over the next three
years, Canada’s involvement in ‘police action’
colluded in the overthrow of Prime Minister
Patrice Lumumba whose pan-African ideology
was seen as posing a “major threat to western
interests.”¹⁹ There was Vietnam, where
Canada’s fears of losing a sizable portion of
trade with Southeast Asia motivated its
waging of a propaganda war against Hanoi
to keep it within the West’s grasp.²⁰ Amid
brutal capitalist empires that Canada had
regional ambitions in and geopolitical
adversaries it victimized for attempting to
free themselves of their colonial roots, there
has been Afghanistan: Canada’s longest war
Afghanistan is serving as a model for the
government's 3-D [diplomacy, defence, and
development] approach to international affairs.”²²
In projecting a cultural backwardness onto an
Afghanistan that required intervention, Canadian
foreign policy effectively crafted an image of the
Canadian state as its dialectical opposite.
While some have questioned Canada’s ability to even
lead large-scale military operations in the first place,
what remains clear is that the days during which the
Canadian state was content with its Middle Power
status are disappearing, if not already long gone. Its
growing interest in Haiti may very well signal a shift
from strategic peacekeeping to more openly
combative rhetoric, blurring the boundaries of its
liberal and humanitarian national identity to now
account for more aggressive interventionism. Given
this, the mystery of why exactly Canada would
promise to pour half a billion dollars into expanding

saw the deployment of the third-largest
military contingent to the peninsula (i.e. over
26,000 Canadians¹⁴), resulting in brutalities
against the Korean peoples which far
?
to date. Since 9/11, Canadian foreign policy in military cooperation with Asian allies in an effort to
Afghanistan has staunchly committed to an challenge China – whom it perceives as “an
ongoing civilizing and liberal order-making
mission on the grounds of unshackling CANADIAN increasingly disruptive global power”²⁵ – begins to
unravel.

exceeded the violence of WWII.¹⁵ Today, the
Canadian government continues to draw on
liberal imagery of peace and security in
maintaining that “the Korean War marked a
new stage in Canada’s development as a
nation.”¹⁶ And yet, it was a Canadian
diplomat who in 1951 revealed that “though
[Canada has] sympathy for those who seek
self-government, [it] also [has] a strong
interest in preventing the development of
trouble-spots that would endanger western
defence.”¹⁷ Unbeknownst to the general
public, Canada’s liberalism was hence
informed by a determination to entrench its
continental alliance with the US through
bringing East Asia further under the western
sphere of influence.
There was Guatemala, where President
Jacobo Árbenz’s aim of reinstating resource
sovereignty for his people harmed Canadian
access to mineral wealth; still today, Canada
claims involvement in its peace process
despite having supplied the weaponry used to
massacre numerous civilians.¹⁸ There was
Congo, where Ottawa and the United Nations
LIBERALISM
Afghans (and particularly Afghan women)
from the despotism of the Taliban.²¹ Indeed, A sports boycott of China, in this sense, functions as
early war statements on Afghanistan far more than just a sports boycott. Culture and art
inextricably tied international development to have hardly ever been apolitical in relation to wider
the pursuit of security. As then-defence nation-building projects that squarely place human
minister David Pratt remarked: “from the rights at the center of state identity construction, and
standpoint of future Canadian international so sports inevitably becomes but one facet of many
engagements, powerful political tools that reflect the principles
upon which foreign policy is developed. In the current
rules-based international order, however, a boycott
As Haiti continues to grapple with chaos owing to represents an opportunity for state formation as well
soaring levels of gang violence amid political turmoil as an all-but-official step in the formal declaration of
and deepening poverty, Canada’s recent response war.
has left many political observers scratching their
heads. Over the past few months, Washington has And at the end of the day, the Canadian state is very
repeatedly sought to pressure Canada into leading a well aware that there can only be a good,
Haiti mission. Trudeau, in turn, has claimed that peacekeeping Canada if there is a bad guy to wage
“Canada is very open to playing an important role,” war against.
but that there must be consensus among the Haitian
populace for a foreign military intervention.²³
Supplementing this has been Canada’s 2022 budget,
which proposed to substantially strengthen the
military’s hard power and “readiness to fight [for
freedom].”²⁴

¹² Mark Zuehlke. “St. Laurent and Kim Il-Sung.” Legion Magazine, January 02, 2018.
¹³ Owen Schalk. “Canada Needs to Acknowledge its Violent History in Korea.” Canadian Dimension, April 14, 2022. ²² Jean-Christophe Boucher. “Selling Afghanistan: A Discourse Analysis of Canada’s Military Intervention, 2001-
¹⁴ Veterans Affairs Canada, Korean War. 08.” International Journal 64, no. 3 (2009): 717–33.
¹⁵ A. B. Abrams. Immovable Object: North Korea's 70 Years at War with American Power. Atlanta, GA: Clarity Press, 2020. ²³ Clark Campbell. “Canada Could Not Mount a Whole Haiti Mission Even if it Wanted to.” The Globe and Mail,
¹⁶ Veteran Affairs Canada, Korean War. November 20, 2022.
¹⁷ Tyler A. Shipley. Canada in The World: Settler Capitalism and the Colonial Imagination. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing, 2020.
¹⁸ Owen Schalk. “Canada’s Role in the Horrors of Guatemalan Civil War.” Alborada, October 21, 2021. ²⁴ Lee Berthiaume. “Budget 2022: Canada Won't Meet NATO Target With More Than $8B in New Military
¹⁹ Yves Engler. “How the UN and Canada Colluded to Kill Lumumba.” Pambazuka News, July 14, 2016. Funding.” CP24 News, April 07, 2022.
²⁰ Julian Sher. “Our Role in Vietnam; Or, How Canada Lied, Spied and Provided Arms for U.S.” Montreal Gazette, February 21, 1987. ²⁵ Murray Brewster. “Trudeau Government Unveils Long-Awaited Plan to Confront An 'Increasingly Disruptive'
²¹ Yasmin Jiwani. "Helpless Maidens and Chivalrous Knights: Afghan Women in the Canadian Press." University of Toronto Quarterly 78, 20 21
no. 2 (2009): 728-744. China.” CBC News, November 27, 2022.

National Identities
in the Face of
Climate Change
BY HANNAH NIE
Climate change is a challenge which requires international cooperation. At the same time, the
unique ecological and economic circumstances of different nations shape their varying
experiences of climate change. Countries’ economic needs, vulnerability to climate change, and
responsibility to act in climate change mitigation all play a role in their identity in relation to the
climate crisis, and how they can work together to face this crisis at an international level.
Global Collaborations
Global efforts to curb climate change date back to 1988 with the creation of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a collaboration between the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The IPCC was established to conduct comprehensive reports on climate change and its
impacts from scientific, social, and economic perspectives, which have been instrumental to
informed policymaking.
The IPCC’s first Assessment Report led to the formation of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1994. With 198 member countries, the UNFCCC
became the first international agreement dedicated to combating climate change.
Common but Differentiated Responsibility
Notably, the UNFCCC recognized that countries had “common but differentiated
responsibility” in addressing the collective crisis of climate change, which led to the
categorization of countries into three main groups: Annex I, Annex II, and non-Annex I.
Industrialized countries who were part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) were categorized as Annex I parties, and were expected to take the
lead on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as they were or had been the largest
contributors of emissions.
A subgroup of the Annex I countries was then also labelled as Annex II. This group included all
Annex I parties except for 12 countries with “economies in transition” (EIT), which consisted of
countries in the Russian Federation, Baltic States, and Central or Eastern Europe regions. In
addition to mitigating climate change by reducing emissions like all members of Annex I,
Annex II parties were also responsible for providing financial and technological support to
help developing countries implement measures for climate change mitigation and
adaptation.
Most developing countries were categorized as non-Annex I parties, and were recognized as
being particularly vulnerable to the ecological and/or economic impacts of climate change.
Of these, 49 were identified as least developed countries (LDCs) who were especially limited
in their ability to respond to climate change, and received special consideration in light of
this .
The UNFCCC laid the foundation for future climate change treaties such as the Kyoto
Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015, which built on this framework of sorting
countries into groups with different needs, capabilities, and responsibilities. The Paris
Agreement continues to emphasize climate finance to support developing countries in
climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, in order to reach the collective goal of
achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and keeping global temperatures within 1.5 degrees
Celsius of pre-industrial times. Overall, climate and economic resilience go hand in hand, and
a significant aim of the Paris Protocol and other international climate change initiatives is to
help increase developing countries’ capacity for climate change adaptation through new
technologies, infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture and energy.
23
This declaration embodied Bolivia’s dependency on natural resources and sentiments of
Ecological and Economic factors
“resource nationalism”, the belief that “resource wealth should be used to benefit the nation”.
Different countries’ climate change responses and needs are affected by various ecological and
Further contributing to this dynamic is a history of foreign exploitation of natural resources such
economic factors. Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to flooding by rising sea levels, while
as natural gas in Bolivia and surrounding regions, in which deals with foreign companies have
arid regions are at risk of being severely impacted by drought and desertification. Small island
left local communities with a quick profit but no lasting benefits. “Throughout our history, we
developing states face unique challenges, including shrinking coastlines combined with financial
have not created a culture that combines our raw assets with intelligent thinking,” García Linera
strain. Natural resources and agricultural land are often limited, making these regions
said in an interview with National Geographic. “This has produced a country which is rich in
particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by droughts and extreme weather conditions. Rising
natural resources and socially very poor.” Initially, former Bolivian president Juan Evo Morales
sea surface temperatures are also a threat to the fishing industry, another important source of
pushed for “full-state control” of lithium mining with only state-owned mining efforts. Eventually,
income for various coastal regions. These nations are also among the two thirds of countries
in 2018 Bolivia made attempts at foreign partnerships with the German company, ACI Systems,
most strongly impacted by natural disasters, which cause decreases ranging from 1% to 9% in
but withdrew from this deal the next year amongst protests from local communities demanding
their GDPs, underlining their particular vulnerability to the effects of climate change.
better mining jobs for Bolivian, indigenous workers, as well as higher revenue shares and
royalties, with similar complications arising in Argentina. Meanwhile, lithium extraction is
High-income countries with heavy reliance on the fossil fuel industry must also find ways to
underway in Chile, but the ecological impacts can be severe due to large water requirements of
diversify their economies in the transition to sustainable energy sources. For example, certain
the mining process and pollution with chemicals leaked from the mines, putting local ecosystems
countries in regions of the middle east and north Africa, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi
and communities at risk.
Arabia, and United Arab Emirates, are prime examples of wealthy nations highly dependent on
oil and natural gas for their economies and energy needs. This geographical region harbours an
National Identities and Image estimated 60% of the world’s crude oil and a quarter of the world’s natural gas reserves, the
Climate change mitigation and adaptation must balance the conflicting priorities of different export of which these countries often rely on to drive economic activity. At the same time,
countries, and is intrinsically affected by national attitudes and identities in relation to climate countries in this region have unique energy and resource needs when it comes to obtaining
change. The example of resource nationalism in Bolivia is a phenomena shaped in part by freshwater. With only 1.4% of the world’s freshwater supply, a sizeable portion of these countries’
decades of instability in the country, prior exploitation by foreign corporations, strong presence energy demand goes towards processes such as water desalination, purification, and
of indigenous populations, leading to an ongoing tug of war which must balance local interests, distribution. While current systems mostly rely on fossil fuels or thermal energy to power these
safety and wellbeing with the economic prospects of effective lithium mining through operations, this region has been found to have good potential for solar and wind power
international partnerships. generation, with high solar radiation, especially in mountainous regions, and high wind speeds in
coastal areas.
For major exporters of fossil fuels such as those in the middle east and north Africa,
dependence of this natural resource is closely connected to the national economy and norms,
and it will be difficult to sway public attitudes towards the transition to renewable energy. In
The Hunt for New Resources
Kuwait, for instance, proposed cutbacks of subsidies for fossil-fuel powered electricity and
On the other hand, renewable energy and sustainable technologies can also create new
water supplies was met with strong pushback from the public, and while the government of
demand for resources. This has presented new opportunities especially for developing countries
Kuwait recognizes the threats of climate change, it does not claim a significant responsibility in
which have abundant supplies of these resources, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, a
its mitigation, and pushes forward with its identity as an oil producer.
developing country which harbours 70% of the world’s cobalt, a metal used for the production of
electric vehicle batteries which has the potential to help reduce car emissions. While resource
In Canada as well, it has been proposed that our national image as a “bottomless treasure
abundance can create jobs and economic growth, it can also lead to exploitation and unethical
trove” of natural resources out in the wilderness, gives a false sense of security in the
extraction practices which damage and pollute local ecosystems. In fact, mining of natural
abundance of resources – not just crude oil and natural gas, but before that, there was the
resources is believed to have perpetuated ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of
cultivation of forests, metals, wildlife, all deeply rooted in Canadian history and identity. This
Congo by financing armed groups, leading to widespread insecurity and poverty.
national identity clashes with the actual finite nature of these resources, and may be yet
another underlying factor blocking progress in public opinions and discourse on climate action.
Lithium is another natural resource which has seen increased demand for the manufacture of
electric vehicle batteries. Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile form the “lithium triangle”, a region which
Environment, economy, and identity are inevitably intertwined in the climate crisis, reflected in
harbours about 75% of the world’s lithium supply under vast salt flats. In 2018, vice president of
different nations’ attitudes and strategies moving forward. While broad roles have been carved
Bolivia, Álvaro García Linera, openly embraced the country’s impressive lithium reserves as a
out for the main groups of countries, their individual circumstances and outlooks will vary, and
golden opportunity for the 40% of Bolivians living in poverty.
can ultimately have a great impact on future climate initiatives.

24 25
 INTRODUCTION

INCORPORATING Failing to account for the people's personal experiences when crafting a foreign
policy that impacts them leads to counterproductive policy. Successful proactive

PERSONAL
foreign policies require popular support in the country being intervened in;
chances of securing this are maximized when drawing from personal experience.
Failed American intervention in Afghanistan represents an example of foreign
policy not accounting for personal experience, while the differing policies
enacted by Russia and Ukraine in their ongoing conflict show the success of
policies built on personal experience versus those that are not.

EXPERIENCE
PROACTIVE
FOREIGN POLICY
Extractive foreign policies that do not benefit all may enrich some, but in the end,
they harm the extractor just as much as the extracted. You can point a gun at
someone and make them work, but they cannot think new ideas. Foreign policy is

FOREIGN POLICY:
the same way. Extractive policies will not foster innovation; eventually, they cease
INTO to be competitive against equitable policies that do, meaning it is advantageous
to employ equitable foreign policy.¹ One maximizes the possibility of making such a
policy by drawing on others' personal experiences. Building on the ideas of Carl

THE CASE
von Clausewitz, modern policy makers inherently understand that any proactive
foreign policy in another nation will require the people's support.² Having diversity
FOR around the table means you hear the perspectives of others, those who have

EMPATHY
experienced unique hardships.³ To create a foreign policy that will work, you need
empathy, and that requires listening to different people's lived experiences.

LIBERATORS OR INVADERS?
A CASE STUDY OF EMPATHY IN THE
AFGHANISTAN INTERVENTION
The changing Afghani perceptions of American presence in Afghanistan and the
corresponding successes and failures speak to the importance of incorporating
personal experience into foreign policy decisions. Originally, the American
intervention in Afghanistan spawned short-term American success: the policy's
military objectives were being achieved.⁴ Their terrorist-friendly government was
ousted, and a pro-American government was installed in Kabul, which was able to
govern, albeit with international support, for a few years. During this period of
strategic success, there was general support from the Afghan people for the
government, but as time went on, support weaned.⁵ Afghanistan has a long history
of foreign occupation; whether it be Soviet or colonial, extractive institutions have

BY BRAD WOOD-MACLEAN
IN COLLABORATION WITH REALTALK AT
VICTORIA COLLEGE
26
¹ Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty (New York, New
York: Penguin Random House, 2012): 131.
² Rupert Smith, The Utility of Force, 2nd ed. (United Kingdom: Penguin Random House, 2005): 175.
³ Barrack Obama, A Promised Land (New York, New York: Penguin Random House, 2020): 535.
⁴ Carter Malkasian, “What America Didn’t Understand About Its Longest War,” POLITICO, accessed November 27, 2022,
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/07/06/afghanistan-war-malkasian-book-excerpt-497843.
⁵ Malkasian.
27
been imposed on Afghanistan for decades. The personal experiences of Older
Afghans coupled with the intergenerational trauma of younger Afghans generated
hostility to outsiders. American foreign policy did not consider this historical
experience; as a result, they continued down a path of supporting the new
government in Kabul, and this government became associated with outsiders. The
Taliban employed a different tactic. They designed a policy that demonstrated an
understanding of the personal experience and gained enough popular support to
launch a successful government overthrow. Due to a fundamentally flawed policy
not based on personal experience the Taliban now has nearly unrivaled control
over Afghanistan, posing a threat to human rights and international security.

MODERN WARFARE:
A CASE STUDY OF EMPATHY IN
THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF
UKRAINE
CONCLUSION
Under Putin, Russia embarked on a hostile foreign policy of invading Ukraine,
irrespective of his people's desires. The results have been dire for Russians. The
policy was entirely motivated by the whims of Vladimir Putin with no basis in
legitimate popular support. The invasion to him, not the people, is correcting a
historical aberration.⁶ To attempt to maintain popular support, he employs a vast American policymakers fell short of understanding Afghan personal experiences when designing
military-run censorship apparatus. Internal polls may show support for the war their incursion, and this oversight resulted in the eventual collapse of their presence. Russia has
enacted an invasion irrespective of personal experience; when pitted against Ukrainian policy
reaching 70-75%, but accurate polling within authoritarian regimes is unreliable built on personal experience, the latter prevails. Overall, crafting the most effective policy
for obvious reasons.⁷ A better indicator of support, or rather lack thereof, is the means utilizing the personal experiences of the population you make the policies for.
mass exodus of the upper-middle class military-aged elite from the country, the
demographic most likely to have had personal experience outside of Russia that
would allow them to see the higher quality of life in Western nations and
resultantly be less supportive of Putin.⁸ The policy contrived to increase one man's
influence failed to account for the experience of his alleged constituents, and
thus has caused international ostracism and pariahdom. More than that, European
nations have reduced their energy dependence on Russia and piled sanctions on
them which tanked the ruble and decimated the Russian private sector.⁹

Russian policy is juxtaposed against the Ukrainian response, an approach that

draws from personal experience and accordingly has received widespread popular
support. Ukrainians lived through political turmoil during Russian election
interference in 2004 and 2010; both times, there was a resounding rejection of
Russian dependence¹⁰ based on living through the exploitative nature of the
Russian-dominated Soviet Union.¹¹ That shared personal experience instilled solid
anti-Russian sentiment in the people; the foreign policy of military resistance
reflected this and received widespread support, unlike the Russian one. Despite
having far inferior conventional military capabilities, Ukraine has continued to
launch successful counter-offensives— an example of how incorporating personal
experience into foreign policy provides fruitful outcomes.

⁶ Anna Reid, “Putin’s War on History: The Thousand-Year Struggle over Ukraine,” Foreign Affairs 101, no. 3 (May/June 2022):
54.
⁷ Kirill Rogov, “Kirill Rogov on What Russians Really Think of the War in Ukraine,” The Economist, October 7, 2022,
https://www.economist.com/by-invitation/2022/10/05/kirill-rogov-on-what-russians-really-think-of-the-war-in-ukraine.
⁸ Rogov.
⁹ Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Michael Kofman, “Russia’s Dangerous Decline: The Kremlin Won’t Go Down Without a Fight,”
Foreign Affairs 101, no. 6 (December 2022): 24.
¹⁰ Reid, “Putin’s War on History: The Thousand-Year Struggle over Ukraine,” 61.
¹¹ Serhii Plokhy, The Last Empire: The Final Days of the Soviet Union (New York, New York: Basic Books, 2014): 152-170.

28
Resilience and Immigration
An empowering trait or a toxic relationality? In another study, it was found that
immigrants felt more secure and
Despite policies put in place and bills passed to
protect immigrants from systemic discriminations
confident about the future of their such as the “Canadian experience barrier,” at
By Sreya Sayeed children in Canada. But what about
themselves? Most individuals who
the end of 2022, immigrants are still not
succeeding in their job search. This discrepancy
immigrate in their middle-age base their imperatively leads to questions such as - why are
A few weeks ago, I learned two things but I had to wonder why we had to be more resilient hopes and measurements of success on these policies not being enacted more strictly?
about the current world and its functioning. than an average person who has been living in the opportunities their children receive. Why is it still harder for an immigrant to succeed
One was that people still watch TV, and Canada for quite a few generations. Resilience, if The people of color who are seen in a in this country than a Canada born citizen? Why
the second was that the optimistic belief defined as the ability of an individual to cope with position of power are usually second or do immigrants have to constantly prove their
that resilience is the key solution to every life’s challenges, is something that every human third generation immigrants who have allegiance to this country through a
problem faced by someone who chooses or must develop at a certain point in time. been socialized and educated in demonstration of their resilience and endurance
Canada or the West. capabilities? The whole concept of a better and
has had to choose to start their life in a brighter future seems counterintuitive when
new country. The second fact was With Canada offering fewer tools to their immigration becomes a constant emotional and
Immigrants seem to be the poster children for
conveyed to me through an advertisement older immigrant populations to succeed, physical process of proving one’s “resilience.” It is
resilience and its power to overcome just about
on TV surrounding immigration in Canada. the older generations are forced to take also ironic when the problems requiring this
anything, as they are faced with instability and
on the role of caregivers for future resilience are visible and identifiable, and yet
confusion in various aspects of their life. One of the prospective citizensand are required to instead of working to resolve these issues, the
Choosing to move to a new country and
main issues that immigrants face when moving into hang onto survival jobs due to impending state and society focus all their resources into
build one’s life from the very scratch is a
Canada is the lack of financial stability due to responsibilities of taking care of their building a “resilient immigrant.”
complex process. Immigration can mean
lacking accessibility to jobs. While the majority of families. Their view of success then
different things for different people. When moves onto the achievements of their Being resilient is not something easy. It does not
immigrants have been skilled professionals in their
my family began the process of future generations who have a greater appear overnight, and it does not come
respective countries, suddenly, when moving to
immigration, we were hopeful. When we chance of success, being educated and naturally. Learning and growing resilience is a
Canada, they can’t secure jobs in the same fields
finally immigrated to Canada, we were socialized in a Canadian society. long and emotionally taxing process. Resilience
anymore. It is not uncommon to find individuals with
faced with apprehension. As a child, is not innate; support is needed through strong
years of experience in teaching or marketing or Resilience is thus required as one community relationships as well as through
immigration seemed somewhat similar to
individuals with MBA degrees in survival jobs that to navigates through constant rejection, access to resources such as mental health care
what the migratory birds did in winter,
do not match their qualifications or career. This feeling inferior, and losing a sense of (often language being an accessibility barrier).
without returning back. As a 14-year-old, it
mismatch between their qualifications and the jobs identity and having to create a Solely relying on the resilience of immigrants for
was leaving familiarity in the search for completely new one. Why is the identity their success, seems quite irresponsible, ignorant,
they are able to secure is often referred to as the
something new and hopefully better. At 21, one had sculpted through years of living and insensitive. Half the turmoil to achieve this
“overqualification” issue among immigrants.
it is wondering what the better option is, and experience in another part of the resilience would cease if more was done to
However, the requirement for “Canadian
and for whom. world suddenly washed from moving reduce the situations that put one in the position
experience,” often the main factor excluding them
across a few seas? Why are their to have to grow resilient. There are numerous
from appropriate job opportunities, is what deems credentials no longer valid? How studies on the obstacles of immigrants, immense
As the brief advertisement on TV told me immigrants as “underqualified.” In February 2013,
that resilience was all that was needed to multicultural is Canada truly if it is not discussion on how to hold onto immigrants given
the Ontario Human Rights Code identified this accepting of an identity or career grown the lack of career opportunities, with extremely
finally build that home in a new world, I requirement as an act of discrimination. However, elsewhere? slow steps in implementing any action that
thought about my family, who immigrated Ontario passed Bill 27, legalizing the removal of alleviates the often talked about issues.
here not long ago. I thought about other Canadian experience only at the end of 2021. In Immigration is a complex system that
immigrant families and individuals I have 2022, a report from Statistics Canada showed requires applicants to go through a It is time to start being more active in these
known over the years. I thought back to the how, on average, it took approximately 10 years for thorough process before they are actions. It is time to stop banking on resilient
frustrations we had all been through — our accepted as immigrants into the country. stories of immigrants to inspire newer immigrants
immigrants to secure a job similar (in terms of Naturally, one would assume the to survive the hardships and instead take actions
shared experiences with instances of position and paygrade) to that they had pre-
rejection, of facing discrimination, of individuals chosen by the intricate to remove the hurdles in their way of success. It
immigration. The discrepancy between the selection process, fitting the criteria to is time for the state to be resilient against being
having to live with the implied status of a qualifications of immigrants and the availability of blend in, would succeed in the country a place of discrimination and lost opportunities
second-class citizen, of constant sacrifices. job opportunities is just one example of the many they are immigrating to. However, the and to strive towards being a place for hope and
Yes, we were all resilient, obstacles immigrants have to face and overcome struggle still continues after passing the actualizing dreams that don’t have to shelved for
through “resilience.” selection process and immigration. future generations.
Working for Workers Act, S.O. 2021, c. 35 - Bill 27 (2021). https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/s21035
“Resilience,” American Psychological Association, May 2022. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience. Angus Reid. “Canadians aren't as accepting as we think — and we can't ignore it, writes Angus Reid,” CBC, October 04, 2016. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/angus-reid-poll-canadian-values-
Trevor Dunn. “Skilled immigrants struggle to find jobs as government plans to welcome more,” CBC, November 01, 2016. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/immigration- immigration-1.3789223.
employment-canada-1.3831468.
Feng Hou, Yao Lu, and Christoph Schimmele. “Recent Trends in Over-education by Immigration Status,” Statistics Canada, Government of Canada, December 13, 2019.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2019024-eng.htm.
“Immigrants Nearly Three Times More Likely to Experience Persistent Overqualification than Non-Immigrants,” Statistics Canada, Government of Canada, September 2, 2020.
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200902/dq200902a-eng.htm.
Melissa Kelly. “Canada Will Lose Highly Skilled Immigrants Without a Proper Retention Strategy,” The Future Economy, August 24, 2022. https://thefutureeconomy.ca/op-eds/melissa-kelly-
toronto-metropolitan-university-canada-lose-highly-skilled-immigrants/

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THANK YOU INTRODUCTION
Awareness of mental health issues in society has been growing rapidly across
the world, especially in light offrom the Editor-in-Chief
the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health is of par-

A thank
the world, especially
INTRODUCTION
Awareness of mental health issues in society has been growing rapidly across
youoftothe
in light our staff pandemic. Mental health is of par-
COVID-19
amount importance to us due to its impacts on social functioning and healthcare amount importance to us due to its impacts on social functioning and healthcare
systems as well as its role in the economy and achieving the UN’s Sustainable De- systems as well I am as its role
endlessly in the
grateful foreconomy andtoachieving
the opportunity thesuch
work alongside UN’s tal-Sustainable De-
velopment Goals for 2030. velopment Goals for 2030.
ented, creative, and hardworking people. My emphasis for our Emissary
Firstly, those with mental health issues are adversely impacted in their ability Firstly, writers
thosethis withyearmental health issues
was on creativity— I wanted arealladversely
of the writersimpacted
to be able in their ability
to tell their own stories, write about whatever topics interested them. For
to participate
A thankactivelyyou in society
to our andreaders
often have a lower standard of living. This is in to participatesharing
activelytheir in society
lives, stories,and often have
and thoughts a lower
with me, standard
and with the world,of living. This is in
I am
large part due to negative attitudes that society inflicts on these people, resulting large part due to negative
incredibly attitudes that society inflicts on these people, resulting
appreciative.
in institutional discrimination that prevents individuals from accessing education in institutional discrimination that
I am equally appreciative andprevents
constantly individuals
impressed by our from accessing
graphic de- education
sign team. They truly do the work no one else can, bringing the content
and employment opportunities.
These articles Therefore,
are only the beginning theseconversation.
of a greater challenges severely reduce the
I hope, and employment opportunities.
of the Emissary to life and Therefore,
animating it with these
their challenges severely
own personal flair. I am reduce the
when reading this, you are inspired to consider the larger systems of
likelihoodModel
of the mentally
United Nations,unwell to improve
our relationships their standard
with debate, with each other, of living, leaving them likelihood ofastounded
the mentally by the unwell
work thatto improve
they have puttheir standard
forward, of living, leaving them
often on ridiculously
in a cycle and
of mental illnessIt has
with ourselves. andbeen financial
my honor stress that they
to facilitate are unable
the sharing of to break out of in a cycle of short
mental illness
timelines, andand hopefinancial stress
to see their creativethat theygrow
pursuits are asunable
they moveto break out of
forward.
due to thethese
inadequate
stories, andsupport
I really hope that
thatexists
you carryin many nations,
them with you moving developed
for- or develop- due to the inadequate
Thank you, of support thatand
course, to Kelly exists in many
Victoria for theirnations, developed
undying support for or develop-
ward.
ing. Society is fragmented
Without you, there is nofurther
conference whenand those withThink
no Emissary. mental health issues from di-
and partici- ing. Society my is fragmented
vision and intentions further whenthe
in creating those withVictoria’s
Emissary. mentalguidance
healthonissues from di-
verse minority racial and
pate critically, ethnic
challenge the backgrounds
systems in which receive far less
you take part, support from mental
and recog- verse minority racial
graphic andand
design ethnic backgrounds
experience designing for receive far less
the Emissary was support
invaluable,from mental
and she served as an important point of reference, inspiration, and vali-
health services
nize the than others.
worth that To illustrate,
you have as a delegate inand
theasUSA in 2015,
a reader. I, for one, of all adult mental health services than
dation. others.
Kelly’s positivityToandillustrate,
confidence ininthe USAnever
our team in 2015, of all adult mental
once ceased,
appreciate you taking the time to read not only the articles, but this
health service
thank youusers,
all the48
way percent
at the end. ofAswhites
much asreceived
I celebratemental
and emphasize health services but health service andusers,
her joy at 48bringing
percent of whites
the Emissary received
to life as well asmental health
working with all services but
only 31 percent of blacks
the individual stories and and Hispanics
experiences and
of our 22 percent
contributors, I hopeofthat Asians were able to only 31 percent of blacks and Hispanics and 22 percent of Asians were able to
aspects of C&D was absolutely infectious.
On a personal level, my greatest thanks goes out to Aidan Thompson, who
receive the same services.
you celebrate and consider the value of your individual stories, lives, and receive the samewas notservices.
merely a fantastic interviewee, but tolerated a lot of creative
contributions.
In addition to theand
You are valued, stress this this
in reading imposes
magazine onyouindividuals,
are acknowledgingthe rise in mental health In addition
pitches,tolate-night
the stress thisand
ranting, imposes on individuals,
celebrations with me as thethe rise in
Emissary wasmental health
issues putsandaconsidering
strain onthe healthcare systems,
lives and stories which which
of real people, will thus
I thinkneedis a to become bet- issues puts adeveloped.
strain on He’shealthcare systems,
not just a contributor which
here, will thus
but someone whoneed to become bet-
I consider
myself incredibly privileged to have in my corner in all aspects of life. I
ter equipped to deal
priceless with higher
contribution to makedemand
to our world. andI seeexpenditures.
you, appreciate The you, current model of ter equippedcould to deal
not askwithfor ahigher demand
better best friend. and expenditures. The current model of
and encourage you to build more connections and to read and interact
care with with
stratified
intentionlevels
movingthat do not
forward— communicate
there is value in even the efficiently
littlest things with each other will care with stratified
It has been levels that do
an absolute honornottocommunicate
work on the Emissary efficiently
this year, with
and aneach other will
be unsustainable
you do, even in reading
the long this.term, and the service user is not often placed at the be unsustainable in the long term, and the service user is not often
experience that I will treasure as a creative practice, exercise of self- placed at the
worth, and collaboration with brilliant people.
forefront of the decision-making process in treatments. Therefore, to take service forefront of the decision-making process in treatments. Therefore, to take service
Love & Light,
users’ needs
Dianainto
Vinkaccount, more primary, community and social care needs to be users’ needsMyinto account,
endless gratitude,more primary, community and social care needs to be
implemented in mental health systems, as this would be both a viable and econom-
Editor-In-Chief implementedDiana in mental
Vink health systems, as this would be both a viable and econom-
Editor-In-Chief
ic plan forThe
the future.
Emissary 2023Mental health issues are clearly of significant importance ic plan for the Thefuture.
Emissary Mental
2023 health issues are clearly of significant importance
across the world, as mental, neurological and substance misuse (MNS) disorders across the world, as mental, neurological and substance misuse (MNS) disorders
comprise 10.4 percent of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and depression comprise 10.4 percent of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and depression
is anticipated to become the primary cause of disability in high income countries is anticipated to become the primary cause of disability in high income countries
(HICs), the second leading cause in middle income countries (MICs) and third in (HICs), the second leading cause in middle income countries (MICs) and third in
low income countries (LICs). low income countries (LICs).

32 33
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MUN
The Emissary