Samurai, Sake, and the Shōgun: Sengoku Jidai, 1560
Since the conclusion of the Ōnin War in 1477, Japan has been plagued by near-constant civil war and regional conflicts between various power-hungry daimyō. The Ashikaga Shogunate has long been reduced to a puppet of the Hosokawa Clan, dependent on the loyalty of the daimyō for its own military power. To make matters worse, the current shōgun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, has been in exile from the capital since 1558, creating a power vacuum in Kyōto that many daimyō are eager to fill. Among these daimyō, Imagawa Yoshimoto was recently killed in battle, after his attempt to march on Kyōto placed him at odds with the young upstart, Oda Nobunaga.
Beginning in the immediate aftermath of Nobunaga’s victory in the Battle of Okehazama, delegates in this committee will have to reckon seriously with the political turmoil of Sengoku Jidai Japan. They must balance their complex regional interests with a desire to unify Japan under a stronger shōgun, while seriously considering the consequences of recent technological innovations and shifting international relations. Balancing alliances between fellow daimyō and foreign nations, they will prove themselves worthy of a stronger and united Japan, or fracture beyond recognition.
Ava Lucarelli
Chair
Ava Lucarelli is a second year at UChicago, majoring in global studies and art history. She is from Long Island, New York, and loves reading, traveling, and eating pizza (but not deep dish!). Within MUN, Ava competes as a member of UChicago’s travel team, and was an assistant chair for CHOMUN and MUNUC last year, serving in the World Health Organization at ChoMUN XXVIII.
Outside of MUN, Ava is a part of Women in Law, and is learning poi as a part of the UChicago circus. Ava can’t wait to be the chair for this committee! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at alucarelli@uchicago.edu.
Susan Flatt
Crisis Director
Susan is a second-year at UChicago, majoring in Political Science and planning to minor in East Asian Languages and Civilizations. As a proud Navy brat, she isn’t really “from” anywhere, but she’s spent large chunks of her life in Northern Virginia and went to high school in Hawaii. Within MUN, Susan competes as a member of UChicago’s travel team and previously served as Assistant Chair for the African Union: African Infrastructure committee at ChoMUN XXVIIIlast year.
Outside of MUN, Susan writes for UChicago’s political journal, The Gate. She also spends ample time reading books, with occasional breaks to watch anime or listen to political podcasts. Susan is excited to be a Crisis Director for Sengoku Jidai, and if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out at srf2806@uchicago.edu!
Elliot Florack
CRISIS DIRECTOR
Elliot Florack is a second year at the University majoring in classics and economics and a member of the trott business program. He is from New York City and loves all things history and will talk for hours about it if given the opportunity. Last year Elliot was a CD for Grand Granada Gambit: The Nasrid Emirate of Granada at ChoMUN XXVIII. He is also a member of UChicago’s travel team!
Outside of MUN, Elliot is a part of Trott Business Leaders, the Quiz Bowl team at UChicago, Oeconomica, and the Shady Dealer (UChicago’s premier satire magazine!). Elliot could not be more excited about being your CD this upcoming year! If you have any questions, find him at eflorack@uchicago.edu.
Secretariat oversight:
Steven Sotomayor, Under-secretary-general