Reds vs Whites: The Russian Civil War, 1918 CE
Joint Crisis Committee
Topic Summary
Room 1: The Bolshevik Command (Lenin, Trotsky, etc.)
Following the toppling of the Russian Tsardom and the Provisional Government, the leaders of the Russian Revolution find themselves at the helm of the former Russian Empire. Now with the power and the means to enact their vision, the various revolutionary factions must now contend amongst themselves to achieve their own future for Russia. As delegates amongst this new Russian political elite, it is your responsibility to bring the nation back from destitution and international humiliation, while simultaneously ensuring that the White Army Coalition does not seize the powers of government for themselves.
Room 2: The White Army Coalition (Monarchists, Liberals, Foreign Forces)
This committee takes place in 1918, following the October Revolution of 1917, in which the Bolsheviks seized power from the Provisional Government. However, many parties within Russia are not content with Bolshevik rule, prompting the assembly of the White Army Coalition and the beginning of the Russian Civil War. As delegates in the White Army Coalition, your immediate goal is to usurp power from the Bolsheviks. Further, you must manage differing aspirations for a future Russia between members of committee, forming a unified vision and strategy to defeat the Bolsheviks and develop a new Russian government.
Esteemed delegates,
I am honored and excited to welcome you to the 73rd iteration of Harvard Model United Nations!
My name is Adam Brown, and I’m originally from Saratoga Springs, New York. I’m currently a sophomore at Harvard College concentrating in Social Studies. My high school didn’t have a Model UN team, so I was first exposed to MUN when I got to Harvard. I immediately fell down the rabbit hole, and I haven’t looked back since! I’m an active competitor on Harvard’s Intercollegiate Model UN team, and I’ve been given the opportunity to participate in conferences around the country while also directing committees for Harvard’s conferences here in Boston and around the world. Outside of MUN, I’m a proud member of Mariachi Véritas de Harvard, where I play the violin. When I’m not in class or participating in club activities, you can find me playing and listening to music, going on scenic walks (Cambridge and Boston are great for that!), playing video games, and–above all–going on adventures and side quests with my friends.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a huge history nerd, which is why I’m so excited to explore this committee topic with you! I cannot wait to see the intense debate and productive collaboration that you will all engage in throughout the course of this crisis committee. I anticipate some great creativity in shaping the course of history–both as a group, and by your own secret meddling.
Best of luck, and see you soon!
Adam Brown
Director, JCC 1: The Russian Civil War, 1918 CE
russiancivilwar@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026
Dearest delegates,
I am pleased to welcome you to this year's iteration of Harvard Model United Nations!
By way of introduction, my name is Malak Sannoun and I am a sophomore pursuing a joint concentration in Government & Philosophy. I am from Anderson, South Carolina but my family is from Morocco, where I spend almost every summer! With MUN, I compete on Harvard's Intercollegiate Model UN Team (where I may have met some of you). Outside of the MUN world, I am the student manager for the D1 Harvard Women's Lacrosse team and am the Vice President of the Harvard Society of Arab Students. In my free time, I love exploring new places, shopping, trying new food, sipping on an ice-cold Ginger Ale, or hopping on the Peloton!
As your Crisis Director, I am looking forward to seeing the innovation and out of the ordinary things you will come up with! Through your very interesting notes, intricate arcs, and careful calculated cooperation, I can not wait to see how you will shape the future of this revolution.
Wishing you all the best,
Malak Sannoun
Crisis Director, JCC 1: The Russian Civil War, 1918 CE
russiancivilwar@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026
Dear delegates,
I’m Michaela Fischer, a sophomore concentrating in Government with a secondary in Economics and a language citation in Chinese. I’m originally from Fort Myers, Florida. I’ve been involved in MUN for eight years, including at Harvard as a committee staffer and intercollegiate team member.
Outside of MUN, I’m a cadet in Army ROTC, a Peer Advising Fellow, and a volunteer with the Massachusetts Small Claims Advisory Service. In my free time, I love to lift, run, and read. I’m incredibly excited to welcome everyone to HMUN 2026!
Best,
Michaela Fischer
Director, JCC 2: The Russian Civil War, 1918 CE
russiancivilwar@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026
Esteemed Delegates,
Welcome to the 73rd session of Harvard Model United Nations, and to the JCC: The Russian Civil War!
My name is Hanley, and I’m a sophomore at the College studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Government. I’m originally from Deansboro, New York, and started getting involved with MUN during my freshman year! I’m an active member of the MUN community at Harvard, competing with our intercollegiate team and serving as a director at both our Boston and international conferences. Outside of MUN, I’m a leader for Harvard’s First-Year Outdoor Program and an associate with Harvard Recreation. I enjoy hiking, listening to live music, and going on spontaneous outdoor adventures!
I am beyond excited to be a crisis director for this joint crisis committee and can’t wait to see how you adapt to the fast-moving challenge of regional collapse.
I encourage you to work collaboratively, fully inhabit your roles, and use the variety of tools in your possession, from backroom alliances to bold front-room policy, in order to drive the committee forward. The best crisis committees are built on both chaos and creativity, and I can’t wait to see what you all bring to the table.
If you have any questions before the conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. See you soon!
Hanley Poyer
Crisis Director, JCC 2: The Russian Civil War, 1918 CE
russiancivilwar@harvardmun.org
Harvard Model United Nations 2026
