Every year, HMUN invites delegates to partake in the optional essay contest to have a chance to be recognized at the closing ceremony and to receive special recognition. This contest is designed to help delegates improve their writing and argumentation skills. The details of this year’s contest are as follows:

Respond to one of the prompts below in 1,000 words or fewer:

1. Discuss a specific example where diplomacy has successfully resolved a global conflict. Analyze the strategies used and reflect on how they could be applied to current or future international issues.

2. Explore how advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, are shaping the dynamics of international relations. Are these changes more likely to lead to cooperation or conflict?

3. Discuss how nations can balance their domestic priorities with their responsibilities to the global community. Should national interests ever take precedence over international obligations?

Essay guidelines and submission instructions:

• 1,000 words or fewer

• This essay should be an argumentative essay with a clear original thesis. Please do not write stories or dialogues.

• No outside sources are necessary, however, if you do use them, please cite your sources.

• Essays should be engaging and be sure to share your voice!

• Essays should be written in size 12 Times New Roman font, double spaced in PDF format. No other formats of the essay will be accepted. Please do not include any pictures or borders in your submission

• Essay heading should include your name, delegation name, faculty advisor name, and the number of the prompt that you are writing the essay for. We do not accept any submissions from delegates whose delegation is not attending this year’s HMUN.

• All essays should be your original work — we will not accept any essays that is suspected of being written in full or partly by another person or artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT)

Please submit to essaycontest@harvardmun.org by January 16, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST