The Algerian War for Independence from France began in 1954 with targeted attacks on French officials by Algerian nationalists, and by 1956 it had escalated into a full-scale and brutal conflict between the French military and the Algerian nationalist Front de Libération Nationale (FLN). The seeds of the conflict were rooted in France’s 1830 invasion of Algeria, with the colony later being designated as an integral part of France, though native Algerians were largely treated as second-class citizens. The Algerians had launched several revolts against France in the preceding decades, but this most recent war proved to be far more potent. Algerians were buoyed by France’s weakness from the World Wars, as well as global decolonisation and a growing sense of Arab and Algerian identity. Meanwhile, the greater visibility of the war and a questioning of colonialism greatly impacted society in mainland France, with deep divides being etched between supporters and opponents of France’s hold on Algeria. In this committee, you must decide how France should approach its role in the conflict over Algeria. Many outside groups ranging from anti-war activists to French nationalists to foreign powers will make their own actions, while the FLN will continuously be operating to further their own goal of total independence. Will a true and just peace be achieved through good will and compromise, or will the war descend into further violence both in Algeria and in mainland France? The world will be watching.
Crisis Director
Nathaniel Roe
nroe@utexas.edu
Rules and Procedure
This committee follows parliamentary procedure as defined in our Crisis Committee Parley Pro Document. However, procedure during committee may be modified at the Moderator’s discretion.
Position Paper
All delegates wishing to be considered for an award must submit a position paper before the start of conference. Position paper quality will be included in consideration of awards, however paper quality will not hold as much weight in award consideration as actual committee performance. Position papers are meant to ensure a basis for delegate research and help delegates feel confident while participating during the conference.
Detailed instructions for writing and submitting Position Papers can be found in the Position Paper Guidelines Document.
Questions
If you have questions about committee content or the format of your committee, please contact your Crisis Director.
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