Newsletter 24/01/2025

SOASMUN 2025: A Groundbreaking Start for SOAS’ First MUN Conference

By Kristi Greenwood, BA Japanese, International News Editor

The inaugural SOAS Model United Nations (MUN), held from the 17th to the 19th of January 2025, brought together over 90 delegates from 18 different universities worldwide for a weekend of thought-provoking debate under the theme “Deconstructing the Past and Redefining the Future.” Over the course of three days, the conference aimed to amplify unheard voices and introduce a fresh perspective to Model United Nations discussions. With seven diverse committees tackling a variety of issues, from the UNSC’s deliberation on the South African Border War of 1980 to a re-imagining of the 1592 Japanese invasion of Joseon, SOAS MUN introduced innovative topics to MUN. 

The conference began with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from Dr Maya Nguyen, a professor in the Politics and International Relations Department, alongside keynote speaker Francesca Albanese, UN rapporteur for the Situation in Palestine.

Dr Nguyen’s address encapsulated the ethos of SOAS MUN: justice, advocacy for marginalised voices, and a commitment to challenging the status quo. In her speech, she reminded delegates that tackling complex global issues is rarely about finding “right” or “wrong” answers but rather navigating the shades of complexity. 

Joining via video link, Francesca Albanese emphasised how SOAS MUN’s theme resonated deeply with her work. She reflected on her time at SOAS, describing it as revolutionary in its thinking, albeit now a bit bourgeois. Albanese explored the colonial foundations of the United Nations and international law, calling for accountability, systemic reform, and global equality. She urged world leaders to confront the legacies of colonialism, dismantle apartheid practices, and heal communities ravaged by conflict. Albanese's speech was then followed by a live music performance by Uyghur musician Shorret Nur, a research assistant at the Music Department of SOAS. 

Throughout the weekend, SOAS MUN delegates engaged in debates across seven committees, reimagining global cooperation and addressing historically complex issues. An exhibition was held to aid in understanding each committee's topics, with paintings, artworks and literature curated from the SOAS libraries and databases. 

Outside of debate, shawarmas from local partner Damascus Bride were provided for lunch and a social event was held at the Marquis Cornwallis pub. For delegates to take home, a goodie bag was provided featuring SOAS merch and environmentally friendly pens.

Congratulations to all of the SOAS delegates who won awards for their excellent performance. 

Are we past the point of Economic Optimism? 

By Majidah Choudhury, BA International Relations, Junior Reporter

Despite national optimism for the Labour Government coming into power after 14 years of Conservative rule, the Labour Party is performing worse than expected in regards to the economy. The UK remains the only G7 country with higher levels of economic inactivity compared to pre- pandemic levels, where GDP per capita is also 0.7% lower than the pre covid time period. According to ONS Data, GDP growth stagnated at 0.1% in November, after contracting in both September and October, well behind other countries in the G7. 

So far, the UK energy price cap has increased by 10%, alongside core inflation which has increased by 3.3%, and is predicted to stay at 2.7% throughout 2025 as predicted by the OECD. The result of increased energy prices means that interest rates are also likely to stay higher for a longer amount of time. 

The weak GDP growth has a direct impact in lowering the expected tax revenues, which means the government has to rely on more emergency borrowing. In August, Starmer’s party borrowed £13.7 billion, bringing their total in 2024 to over £60 billion. To exacerbate the issue, the cost of borrowing new debt - to fund long term investment, as well as servicing the UK’s pre-existing debt pile has fluctuated dramatically. 

The pound has also fallen to a 14 month low against the dollar, which means that investors are less incentivised to invest into the UK, where other G7 markets are more likely to generate higher profit. This has resulted in fewer jobs in the UK market, which slowed down the country's service sector, furthering economic stagnation. In Q3, services only grew by 0.1%, down from 0.6% in the previous 2 quarters. 

Anxieties about a potential looming recession persist, demonstrating a real challenge to the Labour Government, especially to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to be able to deliver on the party manifesto of “long term economic growth”. 

Andrew Tate Launches Political Party

By Arthur Searle, BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Staff Writer

Andrew Tate, a British-American social media influencer and former kickboxing champion, has recently announced the formation of a new political party in the UK, named the BRUV Party’. Tate also expressed his intention to run for Prime Minister in the next general election, which will be in 2029 at the latest.

Andrew Tate gained prominence as a professional kickboxer before transitioning into becoming an internet personality. He is known for his polarising and provocative statements, particularly concerning misogynistic views on gender roles and masculinity. Tate has a significant online following, especially among young men, and promotes an ultra-luxurious lifestyle of wealth, power, and traditional male dominance.

Tate has been met with numerous controversies on his rise to fame. He has faced allegations of misogyny, with various social media platforms banning him for his inflammatory remarks about women. In December 2022, Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Romania on charges including human trafficking, rape, and forming an organised crime group to exploit women. As of January 2025, he remains under investigation, though he has been released from house arrest.

The BRUV Party, standing for "Britain Restoring Underlying Values," is Tate's political initiative aimed at addressing what he perceives as the UK's decline. The party's charter outlines several core tenets:

• Strict immigration control, utilising the Royal Navy to prevent illegal migrants from landing on British soil.
• Zero tolerance on knife crime, implementing severe punishments, including solitary confinement, broadcast live to deter potential offenders.
• BBC reform, Overhauling the British Broadcasting Corporation to ensure factual reporting, with content influenced by public input from platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
• Protection of traditional values, banning LGBTQ+ materials from schools and promoting traditional family structures. 

Tate's political ambitions have been met with scepticism and ridicule. Many view the BRUV Party as a publicity stunt, citing the lack of formal registration and the extreme nature of its proposed policies. Critics argue that Tate's controversial past and ongoing legal issues undermine his credibility as a serious political contender. However, his substantial online influence, particularly among disaffected young men, suggests that his movement could gain some traction. While it is unlikely that Tate will achieve significant political success, dismissing his efforts entirely may overlook the undercurrents of dissatisfaction he seeks to exploit.