Star Wars: The Clone Wars Crisis in a Galaxy Far Far Away. Galactic Senate 22bby

Transcription

1 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Crisis in a Galaxy Far Far Away Galactic Senate 22bby SBIMUN 2018

2 Letter From The Crisis Director: Hello all my name is Christian Olmos, I am a fourth year at the University of California, Santa Barbara studying Political Science and Labor Studies. I have been a member of the Model United Nations since 2016 where I first joined a team in community college and then enthusiastically sought out once arriving at UCSB. I m excited to bring my love for Star Wars to SBIMUN A crisis a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away will serve as a challenge to test the limits of delegates and diplomacy on an intergalactic scale. While interplanetary travel is still in its infancy, I hope to take you lightyears from earth to explore what it would mean to maintain peace and security in the Star Wars Galaxy. Delegates are expected to utilize any material up the committee start date as resouces to draw from in preparation. This will include all relevant canon sources, being that of the prequals released between 1999 and 2005 by George Lucas, with the addition of Clone Wars animated series, and the novels and comics that have been introduced to the canon. However, for the purposes of this committee please also consider consulting the Expanded Universe, up to the beginning of the Clone Wars, which is also referred to as Legends. While the debate of what is or should be included in the canon is the subject of many fan forums or the attached letter of the chair, the matter is best summoned up by George Lucas in the introduction of Splinter of the Mind's Eye, in 1996: "After Star Wars was released, it became apparent that my story however many films it took to tell was only one of thousands that could be told about the characters who inhabit its galaxy... But these were not stories that I was destined to tell. Instead, they would spring from the imagination of other writers, inspired by the glimpse of a galaxy that Star Wars provided. Today, it is an amazing, if unexpected, legacy of Star Wars that so many gifted writers are contributing new stories to the Saga." 1 So, in the spirit of this lasting legacy, I am incredibly excited to see you assume the roles of intergalactic diplomats and fully immerse yourselves into their universe. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have about our committee! colmos.co@gmail.com May the force be with you, Christian Olmos Crisis Director, The Clone Wars 1

3 Letter From The Chair: Welcome delegates! My name is Joshua Christian, and I am excited to serve as your chair for this conference. I am a fourth year Biological Anthropology major studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I have been a member of the Model United Nations since While we could be thinking of ways to solve world hunger, bargain for world peace, or reduce disease transmission rates, I think we can all agree that a weekend dedicated to the last three Star Wars movies (I don t consider anything Disney makes Star Wars) would be a much better use of our time. Yes, we are nerding out. No, that doesn t mean you get to make finger blasters and shout Pew pew pew! at the delegate who is stonewalling everyone. I might think highly of you if you come in an outfit. However in all seriousness, I expect the same fervor and passion that gives a crisis committee its distinct flavor to be present in this scenario! While the lore in which the Star Wars universe is set is vast, your decisions and schemes will still have a dynamic effect on the fate of the galaxy. Be as creative as our lord and savior George Lucas is. An unconventional theme requires unconventional action. Feel free to contact me with any questions about committee rules and expectations. j_christianmiller@umail.ucsb.edu, May the force be with you, Joshua Christian Chair, The Clone Wars

4 Background: Galactic Republic: About 1000 years before the Clone Wars the Old Republic concluded shortly after the last battle on Coruscant of the Jedi-Sith Wars. This was fought between both the forces of light and dark with the addition of the Mandalorians, with the Republic ultimately being the victor. At the end of the Jedi-Sith Wars the Sith was thought to be totally extinct, and furthermore lead to a restructuring of the Republic into its current form. This was known as the Russian Reformation, taking executive powers from the Office of the Chancellor, and returned ultimate authority to the Senate in an effort to transition to peacetime by Chancellor Tarsus Valorum (approximately 1000 bby). This was a democratic union of star systems that maintained peace among sovereign units from the core worlds to the outer rim. The Republic featured a senate with representatives from the respective systems that passed galaxy-wide policies. Prior to the blockade of Naboo in 32 bby, the Republic had no standing pan-galactic military, and the Jedi Order served as one of the only forces to maintain justice across the known galaxy. After the dissolution of the Republic's military after the Russian Reformation The order began exercising new practices to ensure the relevance of the Order if the Sith were to ever reappear. 2 The Blockade of Naboo & Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum 32 bby: When the Senate passed Proposition D 3, authorizing the body to impose taxes on trade in the Free Trade Zones which had previously been dominated by the Neimoidian control under the Trade Federation that previously experienced little regulation or oversight. In protest, the Trade Federation established a blockade around the Mid Rim world of Naboo, cutting off all shipping to the planet. The egregious overstep threw the Senate into crisis, spurring endless debate and further damaging the Valorum administration's political viability. During the blockade, Vice Chair of the Senate Mas Amedda was often leveraged his bureaucratic power to slow efforts to provide relief to Naboo and thus continuing to foster the feeling of ineffectiveness of Valorum. 4 Padme Amidala sought the aid of the Galactic Senate 5 however debate among the senators left them weary to intervene leaving them in a state of gridlock. Compounded with accusations of pervasive corruption along with the perceived inability to act that to the a vote of no confidence of the Supreme Chancellor Valorum by Senator Amidala. Then Senator Sheev Palpatine of Naboo was considered a favored successor was elected by the Senate to the office of the Supreme Chancellor in that same year

5 Separatist Crisis 24 bby: A growing number of systems began to tire of the bureaucratic nature and corruption within the Galactic Senate, turning to the Confederacy of Independent Systems 7 (CIS) for increased autonomy and prosperity. The disparate interests of the worlds and their people from the core worlds and outer rim became a major point of contention that split the galaxy. The core worlds opted for further centralization of both economic assets and governmental oversight of the further reaches of the galaxy. Unlike the dominantly human core worlds, the majority of the periphery was made up of diverse groups of alien life. Not to say that planets such as Coruscant were not heavily integrated, but the major difference came from the distribution of resources which often served the core better than the planets which they extracted them from. The discontent among worlds such Scipio and the Outer Rim planets proves to foster adversarial interests to that of the Galactic Republic under the leadership Count Dooku of Serenno, a defected Jedi Master to the fallen Jedi Qui-Gon Jin. Central to the continued support of the conflict was the affiliation of the Trade Federation, Techno Union and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, as together they amassed a seemingly infinite Droid Army. While these represented some of the largest contributors to the total forces utilized by the CIS, these were not the only military assets in existence among these factions, as many allies of the CIS often maintained their own contingent of droids and security forces to protect their homeworlds or their interests across galaxy. 8 A Galaxy at War: The Battle of Geonosis 22 bby: This is considered the first offensive that initiated the Clone Wars as this was the first recorded use of the new Grand Republic Army. 9 The Siege of Ryloth 22 bby: The Techno Union continued to subjugate Ryloth, and Wat Tambor gained an appointment as the Emir of the conquered world. Initially the Republic had little to no interest in getting involved in what seemed to be an internal matter and was weary to entangle itself in further conflict. The Jedi Council however saw the need to support remaining holdouts of the Twi lek people who were scattered across the countryside. The remaining resistance on the planet was The Republic Senate finally authorized an invasion force from the Grand Army to liberate the Twi'lek homeworld, reopening Ryloth as a Republic battlefront. Windu enlists the help of Cham Syndulla and his Twi'lek Resistance. When Windu sought him out, Syndulla still had reservations about working with the Republic, since the Grand Army had previously been unable to aid the Twi'lek Resistance. Syndulla also lacked trust in Senator Orn Free Taa, due to their political rivalry prior to the Clone Wars. However Syndulla changed his mind when Dooku ordered Tambor to plunder what he could from the Twi'lek villages, then exterminate the remaining forces of opposition on the planet. Not only had the occupation of the planet displaced the Twi lek populations, but the continued blockade subjected them to the risk of starvation as vital supply routes were simply cut off

6 After the First Year - 21 bby: Over a year into the Clone Wars, figures on both sides of the conflict nearly succeeded in ending the bloodshed. Their venture for peace emanated from the Republic Senate's endless debates about escalating its campaign against the Confederacy. Many of the Republic' social services including education, infrastructure, healthcare, and basic amenities had suffered from budget cuts in favor of military spending. Furthermore, the war effort fiscal cost dragged the Republic into debt,leaving it on the verge of bankruptcy. In response, Senator Gume Saam proposed a bill to open new lines of credit with the InterGalactic Banking Clan, which would facilitate future loans for the Grand Army's expenses. 12 The Onderonian Civil War - 20 bby: Also referred to as the War on Onderon, it took place for control of the planet Onderon beginning about 22 BBY. At the onset of Clone Wars, Onderons King Ramsis Dendup refused to side with either the Galactic Republic or the Confederacy of Independent Systems as both the corruption of the Republic and the brutalization of planets at the hands of the Confederacy of Independent Systems were both equally detestable. Despite Senator Mina Bonteri's admiration for the Confederacy's Head of State, Count Dooku the continued turmoil for the ultimate fate of the planet. Other forces are to be at play as the eventual tipping point will challenge their neutrality. 13 Siege of Mandalore 19 bby: Mandalore, a pacifist neutral world, becomes the front of political turmoil as the separatist crisis brings the government to a formative turning point. The threat of being dragged into the war has the people of Mandalore split between their queen Kryze and the warrior sect of Mandalorians known as Death Watch who promises to restore Mandalore to it s previous glory. 14 Important affiliations, alliances, and regions: The Galactic Republic: The Galactic Republic, commonly known as the Republic or the Old Republic, was a democratic union of sovereign star systems that governed the galaxy for a thousand years prior to the Clone Wars. The Republic's capital was Coruscant, also referred to as the Galactic City located in the core worlds. Its governing body, the Galactic Senate was headquartered on Coruscant where thousands of senators gathered to represent their homeworlds and debate politics under the supervision of the democratically elected Supreme Chancellor. The Jedi Order maintained a close relationship with the Republic and, therefore, utilized the Jedi Temple on Coruscant as their primary base of operations. Loyalist Committee:

7 The Loyalist Committee was a political committee created by Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine as an advisory body to himself to handle the Separatist Crisis and promote loyalty to the Republic. As such, the committee was made up of senators who belonged to the Loyalist faction of the Galactic Senate. Prominent members of the committee included Bail Organa of Alderaan, Jar Jar Binks and Padmé Amidala of Naboo, Orn Free Taa of Ryloth, and Ask Aak of Malastare. When the Clone Wars broke out between the Republic and the Confederacy, Palpatine began introducing many changes and new policies, even modifying the Galactic Constitution with the support of the committees members. 15 Confederacy of Independent Systems: The Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS), also known as the Separatist Alliance, the Separatist State, and commonly referred to as the Separatists, was an unrecognized, galactic, democratic, and confederate government that existed during the Clone Wars era. In addition to the secret support of several mega-corporations, including the Trade Federation, the Techno Union, the Retail Caucus, the InterGalactic Banking Clan, the Commerce Guild, and the Corporate Alliance, the Confederacy was formed by thousands of secessionist star systems on the grounds of excessive taxation and corruption within the Galactic Senate. 16 Trade Federation: The Trade Federation was an interstellar trade organization during the Galactic Republic, and has enough power and influence that it had its own representatives in the Galactic Senate. Viceroy Nute Gunray secretly invaded the peaceful planet of Naboo and cause a crisis in the Republic government, although his occupation was thwarted by Queen Padmé Amidala and her forces. The Federation would often force planets into exclusive contracts, which in several circumstances gave them the ability to blockade planets and control system politics. Intergalactic Banking Clan: The InterGalactic Banking Clan, also known simply as the Banking Clan, was one of the most influential commerce guilds during the Galactic Republic and the most important organization in the Outer Rim. It was governed by the Core Five from the Main Vault located on the Outer Rim world Scipio. Jedi Order: The Jedi Order was a noble, religious order of protectors united in their devotion to the light side of the Force. With a history dating back thousands of years before the Clone Wars, the Jedi Knights noted for their lightsabers and natural ability to harness the powers of the Force stood as the guardians of peace and justice in the Galactic Republic. During the Republic Era, the Jedi Temple on the Core World Coruscant served as the hub of all Jedi activity in the galaxy. The Temple was also a training school for younglings and Padawans, who learned the ways of the Force under the supervision of the Jedi Masters, twelve of whom were elected to sit upon the Jedi High Council the Order's highest governing authority

8 The Sith: The Sith, also referred to as the Sith Order, were an ancient order of Force-wielders devoted to the dark side of the Force. Emerging as a divergent faction of the Jedi Order, the Sith became mortal enemies of the Jedi and fought against them in numerous wars. Driven by emotions such as hate, anger, and greed, the Sith were deceptive and ultimately obsessed with amassing great power no matter the cost. Hutt Space: Hutt Space was an autonomous region of the galaxy on the border between the Mid Rim and the Outer Rim Territories, near the entrance to Wild Space. It encompassed the Si'Klaata Cluster, and bordered on the Tion Hegemony. Hutt Space was named for the Hutt species, who dominated the region remaining largely autonomous. Hutt Space remained neutral during the onset of the fighting and played both Republic and Separatists against each other as profit often was the primary motivator. Objectives to Consider: - What threats exist in the Galaxy that may hinder trade and commerce? - How can you ensuring the proliferation of faction/alliance goals? - Where are remnants of the Sith in the galaxy and how can they be constrained? - What are the appropriate measures when it comes providing aid to neutral systems? - How can public opinion be managed during in the face mounting physical and monetary costs of war? - How can you seek a favorable conclusion to the conflict, and ultimate summation of your character arch? Character List - Home Worlds: 1. Senator Padme Amidala Naberrie - Naboo Senator Padme Amidala is a politician, and delegate representing her homeworld of Naboo. From the young age of 14, she was elected Queen of Naboo and a fierce defender of her people. Not long after her election to Queen, Padme faced a blockade and imminent siege of her planet of Naboo by the Trade Federation. Unwavering in her resolve she seeks the assistance of the Native Gugans to liberate her homeworld. Padme also is secretly wed to the apprentice Anakin Skywalker She played a key role in the push for a vote of no confidence of Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum, and the election of Sheev Palpatine to the position of chancellor. Senator Amidala is also a leading member of the Loyalist Committee, a body given authority to advise actions to be taken to manage the separatist crisis by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine

9 2. Senator Jar Jar Binks - Naboo (Gungan) Gungan Military Commander and politician that came to the aid of Queen Amidala during the invasion of Naboo. Prior to the invasion was considered an outcast because of his antic and clumsy nature, but later gained redemption after conspiring with the Queen to free their homeworld. Also a member Loyalist Committee, Jar Jar Binks faithfully serves his people in addition recognizing that growing threat of the Separatists must be met with expedient force to bring a conclusion to further instability Senator Halle Burtoni - Kamino Kaminoan politician who is known for her ability to work within the climate of turmoil with grace and grit. Burtoni is the representative from Kamino, the world which has provided the clones that make up the Grand Army of the Republic. Her notable political priority is to continue to serve the interest of her people and further production of clones for the republic. Burtoni is an outspoken proponent of deregulating the Intergalactic Banking Clan which leads to a fissure between those wishing to continue the war and those seeking to scale down the Republics commitment. This places her at odds with the Loyalist Committee that continues to emphasize the use of a diplomatic conclusion to the Clone Wars Senator Bail Prestor Organa - Alderaan Bail Organa is another influential member of the Loyalist Committee, and representative of Alderaan in the Galactic Senate.Organa was a good friend of the former Chancellor Finis Valorum, and close allie of his fellow members like Padme and Mon Mothma who share similar convictions. He is an outspoken defender of peace and continues to seek to uphold the tenets of Republic ideals. Organa wishes to seek a diplomatic ending to the conflict with the Confederacy of Independent Systems and strongly opposes deepening the conflict with continued warfighting. He is also responsible for the Alderaan Refugee Conference to deal with refugees displaced by the Clone Wars along with other humanitarian and relief mission

10 5. Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin - Eriadu Tarkin is a former Head of the Outland Regions Security Force and Governor of his homeworld of Eriadu. After attending the Sullust Sector Spacefarers Academy, Tarkin is offered a place within the Judicial Academy by then Senator Sheev Palpatine. His is well respected for his skill and tactical leadership during the mission on the world of Halcyon, where he took command from a disordinate officer and ensuring the safeguard of his men and the accompanying Jedi. At the onset of the Clone Wars Tarkin assumed an officer position in the Republic Navy Senator Mon Mothma - Chandrila Mon Mothma is a politician and representative of her homeworld of Chandrilia. She is close allies with Senator Bail Organa and Padme Amidala as she shares similar aspirations for peace between the Confederacy and the Republic. Mothma in her early life initially was adverse to undertaking the political life of her family in favor of becoming a historian, however later becoming engrossed with politics and eventually taking a seat as the youngest sitting senator in the Galactic Senate. She is well respected among her peers for her unwavering commitment to peace and value of democratic principles that the republic was founded upon Senator Ocanda Far - Rodia Ocanda Far who served as representative of Rodia in the Galactic Senate. During the onset of the Clone Wars Farr was at first willing to join the Confederacy in order to attain vital supplies for the people of Rodia. However the continued conflict grew on and having regrettably sought the alliance with the Confederacy, Farr recommitted himself and Rodia to the Republic to fulfill the needs of his people when the CIS promises fell short. Also known as Uncle Ono because of his close friend and allie of Ruwee Naberrie

11 8. Senator Orn Free Taa - Ryloth Orn Free Taa is a representative of his homeworld of Ryloth in the Galactic Senate, and a supporter of the vote of no Confidence of the previous Chancellor Valorum amidst the skirmish on Naboo. He is a member of the Loyalist Committee however had a tendency to succumb to his indulgent nature. Senator Taa is a close and trusted advisor to the Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine Senator Lott Dod - Neimoidia (Trade Federation) Lott Dod is from the world of Neimoidia and a representative of the Trade Federation to the Galactic Senate. His efforts however have focused on thwarting the progress of the Senate during the Invasion of Naboo and he is allied with the Leader of the Federation, Viceroy Nute Gunray Senator Rush Clovis - Scipio (Rep. Intergalactic Banking Clan) A member of the Galactic Senate as a representative of his homeworld of Scipio, Rush Clovis served his people and that of the Intergalactic Banking Clan. His father served as an advisor to the Muun Banker, and after his passing was taken in by a Muun and became interested in galactic politics of commerce. He was influential in the policy affecting the Republic s finances however at the onset of the Clone War, Clovis allied himself with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, as him and his people grew tired of the corruption and bureaucracy of the Galactic Republic Senator Fang Zar - Sern Prime Fang Zar is from the world of Sern Prime, and served as the representative for his homeworld in the Galactic Senate. An advocate for regulation of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, and considered to a respected allie of the Jedi Order. Zar is a strong proponent of equity and democratic principles and is weary of unilateral efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict

12 12. Senator Mina Bonteri- Onderon (Separatist Parliament) Mina Bonteri is from the world of Onderon, and a former representative for her homeworld in the Galactic Senate. Prior to the Clone Wars she served as a mentor to Padme when she was in her youth. By the time the Clone Wars had began, Mina Bonteri had aligned herself with the Confederacy of Independent Systems. After the of her husband at the hands of a clone trooper during the battle of Aargonar, Mina and her son Lux relocated to the Confederacy s capital on Raxus. 28 Galaxy Map with Index: Bibliography: Luceno, J. (2014). Darth Plagueis. New York: Ballantine. 28

13 *These Channels will be especially helpful for navigating the Legends material and it s crossover to canon. * * * Media: TOR.jpg/revision/latest?cb=