Joint Crisis Committee: The Elephant & The Whale — The Second Punic War, 216

In 216 BCE, The Mediterranean world teeters on the brink of an all-out war. The uneasy peace following the First Punic War has fractured, fueled by Carthage’s desire for retribution and Rome’s unwavering dominance. With Hannibal Barca’s forces poised to strike, delegates will navigate the complex political, military, and diplomatic landscape of this conflict. Delegates will represent key figures from Carthage and Rome, from military masterminds to influential political voices, grappling with the strategic imperatives of a prolonged war. Control over trade routes and supply lines will be important, while a delicate balance of power will require careful consideration. The committee will begin with the Seige of Saguntum, demanding immediate strategic decisions regarding resource allocation and military focus. As the war intensifies,  delegates will confront logistical problems, the threat of rebellion, and the possible emergence of third-party actors. Delegates will ultimately determine the fate of the empires through military strength and diplomatic negotiations that could forge alliances or sow the seeds of further conflict.

As a JCC, this committee will consist of two sides: Carthage and Rome. The Carthaginian committee will be composed of leading figures from the Barcid family, military leaders, political elites, and foreign allies such as Numidian kings and Greek statesmen. They will focus on rebuilding Carthaginian power, managing a vast coalition, and executing a strategy to undermine Roman influence. The Roman committee will feature prominent senators, generals, and allied leaders from across the Republic. These delegates must coordinate defense across the empire, secure loyalty from subjects, and debate whether to pursue cautious delay or decisive confrontation against Hannibal’s forces. Both sides will be challenged to manage internal divisions while navigating the broader Mediterranean power struggle.

gRAND CRISIS MANAGER: Yu Fan Mei

In this Joint Crisis Committee, delegates will represent the members of the Mughal Imperial Court and the Warlord’s Council, working to address this shared crisis from their distinct points of view.

ABOUT THE GRAND CRISIS MANAGER

Yu Fan Mei is a member of the class of 2027 majoring in mathematics and minoring in public health and computer science. He is from the Boston area, where he grew up immersed in its rich history. On campus, Yu Fan is a member of team GUMUN. Last year at NAIMUN, Yu Fan was the grand crisis manager for DeNILE is a River in Egypt. Outside of MUN, he is involved in No Pressure Creatives, a performing arts club that specializes in original student-made musicals, as well as the CMEA Community Scholars Program, a support program for FGLI students. He has also been involved in global health research & is interested in biostatistics. In his limited free time, you can catch him running downtown or exploring one of the district’s many libraries. Yu Fan is super excited to bring the tale about the Elephant and the Whale to NAIMUN LXIII!