Research Guide

How to Research for Model UN: A Practical and Powerful Guide

Model UN isn't about knowing everything. It's about knowing enough of the right things, then using that knowledge to influence debate, build alliances, and write resolutions. Whether you're a first-time delegate or looking to upgrade your strategy, this guide combines the best techniques from top MUN platforms to help you prepare smarter, not harder.

1. Introduction: Why Research Matters

In MUN, research is the backbone of confident speeches, strong arguments, and powerful resolutions. It helps you:

• Represent your country's interests authentically
• Predict what other countries will say
• Shape debates in your favor
• Stand out with facts and clarity

But here’s the catch: hours of research can still leave you with a mountain of useless info. That’s why method matters.

2. Techniques: How to Research Effectively

Let’s cut the fluff. Here are the most useful techniques to master MUN research:

A. The SPEAR Framework (Best Delegate)

• Speeches:      Has your country made public statements on the issue?
• Programs:      Are there domestic or international initiatives in place?
• Events: Has      your country attended related summits or crises?
• Agreements:      What treaties or resolutions has your country signed?
• Reports:      What studies or documents has your country produced or endorsed?

B. The 6 Essentials (WiseMee)

1. Your country: history, national interest, political      structure, current events
2. The topic: what, why, how, where, and what happens      if nothing is done
3. Your committee: powers, limits, past actions
4. Past actions and policy options: UN resolutions,      national and NGO responses
5. Allies and opponents: country positions and clash      opportunities
6. Current statistics: use at least one number per      speech to gain credibility

C. MUNprep’s 3-Step Approach

1. Quick Google Scan: Get the basics fast (30 minutes max)
2. Annotated Reading of the Background Guide: Identify gaps and focus questions
3. Deep Research & Problem Solving: Flesh out solutions with credible sources

3. Types of Sources: Where to Find Good Info

Not all sources are made equal. Here’s a tiered cheat sheet:

Starter Sources

• Wikipedia (start here, not end here)
• CIA World Factbook – statistics, demographics
• BBC Country Profiles – quick country snapshot

Official + High-Value Sources

• UN Resolutions and Reports (un.org)
• Your country’s Foreign Ministry
• Official committee websites (e.g. NATO, WHO)
• The Observatory of Economic Complexity (MIT’s trade      data tool)

Analytical Goldmines

• The Economist, Foreign Policy, Brookings, Al      Jazeera, Council on Foreign Relations
• NGO/Think Tank Reports (e.g. Amnesty International,      Human Rights Watch)
• Academic journals (use Google Scholar)

Bonus: Human Element

• Search the delegate list (if available). Strong      delegates lead blocs, not just strong countries. Strategize accordingly.

4. Country Profile: What You Must Know

To represent a country effectively, you need a mini “dossier” of the following:

• History (last 1 year): What just happened?
• National Interests: What does your country really want?
• Political Structure: Dictatorship or democracy? Who decides policy?
• Current Affairs: Protests? Crises? New elections? Trending issues?
• Red Lines: What      policies would your country never accept?
• Strengths & Weaknesses: What can your country bring to the table?
• Key Data: GDP,      population, military size, UN funding, exports

Tip: Write your country profile like a character in a strategy game. What are their goals, tools, and vulnerabilities?