Objectives and Methods of Operation
Objectives
The Model OAS General
Assembly (MOAS) is the only simulation of proceedings of a
regional international body to take place at the headquarters of
the Organization of American States (OAS). It is designed to
serve as a vehicle for disseminating knowledge about the role,
structure, and performance of the OAS.
The Exercise
The participants have
the opportunity to apply theory learned in the classroom to
actual regional foreign policy issues. By representing individual
member countries of the OAS, the institution and student gain a
broader and better understanding of the elements of policy and
the capabilities and constraints to negotiating that shape the
foreign policy. The student will be able to perceive patterns of
conflict and cooperation that characterize inter-American
diplomacy in its search for solutions to regional issues.
Model Design
Specifically, the Model
OAS General Assembly is designed to:
- Increase awareness
of the role, structure, and performance of the OAS.
- To highlight key
economic, social, educational, political, and security
issues facing the Americas.
- Generate an
understanding of the factors that shape the foreign
policies of the members of the OAS, and illustrate the
characteristics of intra-regional diplomacy in search of
solutions to regional issues.
- Analyze the impact
of global policies of the major powers on economic,
social, political, educational, and security issues
facing the area, and to discuss the region's attempt to
influence the policies of major powers in matters of
common concern.
- Familiarize the
student with the way in which a directed body such as the
OAS General Assembly carries out its business, in
accordance with established rules of procedure and in
compliance with accepted standards of courtesy, mutual
respect, and friendly cooperation.
