Portugal

The unknown is beyond the charted seas... and they call Portugal to action!

Far off to the West, past the endless stretches of mountains, past many burgeoning kingdoms and duchies, lies a land called Portugal, the empress of the Atlantic. Since 1143, the Portuguese have charted the path that other kingdoms follow, and have lit the fire in the darkness for all to heed.

This is a land of firsts, and Lisbon is the beating heart of its growing ambition. Portugal began the fight against the legions of the Caliphs that others followed. Portugal was the first kingdom of its era to begin overseas expansion, capturing Ceuta in 1415. From there, they became the first empire to expand both its geopolitical network and holdings overseas, rounding the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, making contact with Indians, Persians, Japanese, and Malay states alike in the years to come.

Despite its rapid advancements, much is not well for this garden planted at the edge of the sea. By 1490, its rivals are growing stronger every day by following the example Lisbon set, and threatening to surpass what they have built. The Ottoman Empire threatens efficient sea routes, and the Kingdom of Spain challenges Portugal's overseas financial network.

To assure its continued dominance, Portugal is called to act with both conviction and caution!

The landscape is changing rapidly, with borders forged by countless kings and dukes shifting as violently as the storms that steer the seas. In a world of uncertainty, every opportunity granted to Lisbon becomes a certain advantage. Every alliance is the start of a shared future of prosperity, and every dispute is a contest over the correct strategies for seeking security in an insecure world. This world is comprised of two, ever-shifting laws: that this era is the greatest opportunity ever gifted and simultaneously the greatest peril this kingdom will ever face.

Act, Portugal! Chart the seas where none dare to sail! Name the lands none have named, and meet the rulers that none from our land have been able to reach! Cast your fears into the fires of your eyes and take that first step on a soil you've never known. Nothing awaits Portugal in the past, and the future is not so easily bought, but today is the fortune Portugal is given. Today is a fortune that can be captured as it is in front of us all! The only question that remains is if Portugal will act to pursue it.

Crisis Director

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 Directors at contact@ctmun.org with “Portugal” in the subject line.

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