War looms over the Balkans as years of alliances and negotiations come to a head. The now weakening Ottoman Empire is beginning to lose its stranglehold over continental Europe, and an opportunity for the emerging states of the Balkan League to assert greater control and influence across the region presents itself. With proclamations for advancing the cause of liberating the Christian population from Ottoman rule, the region is on a course to redefine its border by whatever it takes. Yet on top of differing geopolitical desires, including territorial control and the formation of certain diplomatic and economic alliances, these states will have to contend with foreign machinations and influence by the empires of continental Europe—Austria-Hungary, England, France, and Russia, to name a few. It is now in the hands of the committee to navigate questions about the course of the war, the legitimacy of collective military action, and the role of great powers in defining postwar settlements.
As a continuous crisis committee, the Historical Crisis Committee is most appropriate for experienced delegates. Position papers are mandatory and must be submitted by January 12, 2026, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers specific to this committee can be found in the Position Paper Guide, on the Delegate Resources Page.
Ryan Wu | Director
In his Grade 11 year at St. George’s School, Ryan is honoured to serve as the Director of the HCC for the 25th iteration of VMUN. Since joining the MUN community in Grade 8, Ryan has been fascinated by the fervour exemplified in committee sessions and the overall atmosphere of each conference. Ryan’s first experience with MUN was with a crisis committee, cementing his love for events fraught with chaos and excitement coupled with cooperation and strategy. He wishes to turn his delegating experience into a fruitful weekend of calculation, backstabbing, and lots of fun. Outside of MUN, Ryan can either be found memorizing random historical facts or playing one game for too long. Ryan looks forward to meeting delegates and watching the insightful and historical debate at VMUN 2026.
Brandon Xu | Chair
As a Grade 12 student at Semiahmoo Secondary, Brandon is thrilled to serve as the Chair of HCC at VMUN’s twenty-fifth iteration. After discovering the fascinating MUN community in 2022, Brandon has found himself a perfect environment for him to pursue his passion in debate, global affairs and diplomacy. Every conference has provided Brandon a unique opportunity to learn and become a stronger MUN participant, and he is excited to uncover more challenges to learn and improve. Outside the conference room, Brandon is interested in bonding with his friends through Riot Games, practicing all kinds of music and trying out all of the goofy hangouts with his peers from Abbotsford. Brandon hopes that all delegates who are attending VMUN 2026 will have an excellent time and create more memorable experiences.
Jasmine Zhang | Assistant Director
As a Grade 11 student at Crofton House School, Jasmine is delighted to serve as Assistant Director of HCC at VMUN 2026. Since beginning her Model UN journey in Grade 8, Jasmine’s interest in the diplomatic world has never dwindled. Since then, she has collected many fond memories and cherished friendships through different experiences within the vast world of MUN. Outside the conference room, Jasmine can be found crying over Netflix dramas, at a billiards table with her friends, or on the next available flight out of the city. Jasmine wishes all delegates the best of luck as she greatly looks forward to their debates.
You can contact the Director at hcc@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.