Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL)

The Special Political and Decolonization Committee is the fourth of six main General Assembly Committees created in the United Nations. Historically, it is known for dealing with issues of human rights, decolonization, peacekeeping, outer space, and the University for Peace. At JHUMUNC in February 2017, the committee passed resolutions dealing with Space Politics and the Colonization of Space and the Aftermath of the Islamic State. When the committee reconvenes in 2018, it will turn its attention to the emerging 21st century issue of cybersecurity and the ongoing problem of Neocolonialism in Africa in an attempt to return sovereignty and stability to this part of the world.

Committee Topics:

Topic A: Threats to Cybersecurity

Topic B: Deconstructing Neocolonialism in Africa

Background Guide: Now Available!

Letter from the Chair

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the Special Political and Decolonization Committee at the Johns Hopkins University Model United Nations Conference 2018! My name is Peyton Blackstock, and I am a senior at Johns Hopkins double majoring in International and Psychology with a minor in German Language and Literature originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. This will be my second year participating in JHUMUNC. I previously served as dais staff for SPECPOL, so I hope to see some familiar faces this year! Like all of you, I was an active participant of my high school’s Youth in Government club and participated in a variety of conferences, including several MUNs, so I hope to use my background and experience to make this bret for you!

In addition to JHUMUNC, I am also a dancer and choreographer in the JHU Ballet company, Special Events Coordinator for the Blue Key Society, which coordinates all admissions tours, and a student leader in Hopkins Christian Fellowship! Additionally, I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Maryland School for the Blind, as well as participate in Psychology research.

At JHUMUNC 2018, SPECPOL will address the growing issues of Cybersecurity across international borders and Neocolonialism in Africa. These topics are of great importance and I look forward to hearing your discussions and resolutions. I encourage you all to to research fully and come prepared to debate these topics, as I hope to see full participation throughout the weekend.

I look forward to meeting all of you in February! If you have any questions or concerns between now and then, please feel free to reach out to me.

Best,
Peyton Blackstock
Chair of SPECPOL, JHUMUNC ’18
pblacks2@jhu.edu