Tensions rose as students argued over a variety of crises, escalating from a fictional meteor crash to the complex issues of climate change and artificial intelligence.

On Oct. 9, the Model Diplomacy Organization held its Debate the Fate of the World event, which tasked students to negotiate solutions to a given conflict. Students, referred to as delegates, were split into 4 groups, called delegations. These groups represented four global powerhouses: The United States, Russia, Japan, and China. Within these delegations, students had to advocate for their country’s interests while communicating with the other delegations in order to resolve the aforementioned conflicts.

“Coming into this, I thought this event was just going to be some kind of heated debate on the political state of the world as of right now. Then I realized I was totally wrong,” said Lemarr White, a freshman majoring in creative writing. “It was a fun little game where I was able to pick the country I wanted to represent and vote on courses of action that could put my country in a good position. If there is another event that’s like this one, I guess you could consider me already there.”

Catering to both novice and experienced debaters, the event allowed old and new delegates to immerse themselves in a casual debating environment without needing any prior preparation. For those without any prior experience to model diplomacy, the event also helped them learn the formatting and procedure of similar debates.

“The Debate The Fate Of The World event focuses on giving students the chance to think about a problem in a shorthand form that allows them to give a sample of debating within the context of diplomacy,” said Dr. Emily Blanck, the advisor for the Model Diplomacy Organization.

Beyond the debating that occurs in these model diplomacy contexts, the organization strives to provide students the opportunity to nurture their communication skills, especially regarding issues with differing viewpoints amongst those involved. Furthermore, the Model Diplomacy Organization also hopes for its members to learn about how international politics play out.

“They [members] learn how to publicly speak and just advocate for themselves, for their countries, and their ideas,” said Anna Cherian, the president of the organization. “It’s a really strong skill to learn to be able to advocate for yourself, learn how to collaborate and compromise, which is something you’re just always going to need no matter what your career is.”

Additionally, the organization prepares students for the Model UN and Model African Union classes that Rowan provides during the spring semester, which students can apply for until Oct. 22, 2025. These classes provide not only experiential learning credit, but also the ability to travel to New York City and Washington, D.C., respectively, to attend their international organization’s conference. Regarding travel costs, the Ric Edelman College of Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences covers them, opening the opportunity for all Rowan students.

These conferences allow students to engage in actual diplomacy beyond the models set up by classes or clubs, giving students the opportunity to meet those from around the world and officials within these organizations. This means that students can also network with those involved in international relations at these events, along with the experience of simply being at these conferences.

“If you have ever wondered what goes on in the background of these international organizations, of how the UN gets to their decisions and how they become implemented on an international scale and become international law, just come out to a meeting or join the class. You’ll learn so much and you grow a lot just from the experience as well,” said Cherian.

The Model Diplomacy Organization meets every other Thursday at 6:30 p.m., making their next meeting Oct. 23. These take place in room G57 in the Chamberlain Student Center and are open to all Rowan students.

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