Hey Reader,
Some students feel like when being assigned a small country in MUN can feel like you’ve been benched before the game even starts. No veto power, no massive economy, no military dominance—how are you supposed to make an impact when the big players (looking at you, USA, China, and Russia) seem to run the show?
Well, here’s the truth: small countries can steal the spotlight in MUN—if you know how to play your cards right.
Find Your Leverage – Every Country Has One
You might not have economic dominance, but every country has something valuable—a key alliance, a niche industry, a strategic location, or a moral high ground.
🔹 Example: Costa Rica may be tiny, but it’s a global leader in environmental policy. If you’re representing a country like this, lean into it! Frame yourself as an expert and lead discussions on climate change or sustainability.
🔹 Example: Qatar is a small country, but it’s a powerhouse in energy exports and international mediation. Find what your country is known for and position yourself as the go-to delegate on that issue.
👉 Tip: Sometimes your leverage might be that you don't have specific policy you must adhere to, giving you the flexibility you need!
Play the Diplomacy Game – Be the Middleman
Big countries often get caught up in direct rivalries, making it harder for them to negotiate openly. That’s where you come in.
🔹 Be the bridge between opposing sides. You can either be the bloc that has the tiebreaking vote, or you can frame your resolution as the reasonable middle ground.
🔹 Frame your country as neutral and emphasize cooperation. This makes it easier for you to be flexible with the states that you'll end up working with. It also makes you a better option for other small countries to join.
👉 Tip: Don't forget - soft power is real power when it comes to Model UN!
The Bottom Line? Small ≠ Weak.
If you’re smart, strategic, and proactive, you can make a huge impact in MUN—even if your country isn’t a global powerhouse. Find your niche, build alliances, mediate conflicts, and get your ideas into resolutions. Do that, and the big players will have no choice but to listen.
So, next time you get assigned a small country, don’t see it as a disadvantage. See it as an opportunity to outmaneuver the superpowers and prove that in MUN, it’s not about size—it’s about strategy.
Good luck!
