Committee Introduction

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) had established itself as one of the most powerful nations of the 20th century. However this colossus of a nation had seemingly gone frail following economic decline, nationalist movements in the republics, and Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms. The rapidly growing tension led to Gorbachev’s advisors to warn him about an imminent attempt to overthrow him but Gorbachev believed in his vision and continued his efforts for the betterment of his people. Although the reforms he wanted were progressive the pro-Soviets saw them as a threat to their ideologies and way of life leading to resentment towards Gorbachev. This Joint Crisis Committee will simulate the events that eventually led to the August coup of 1991, to provide delegates a deeper understanding of the USSRs inner struggles right at the tail end of the powerful nation. Will a coup attempt be succesfully executed and supposedly restore Soviets to their former glory or will Gorbachev be able to keep the populus content and change the global order forever?